Bob Willoughby, Beetles & Huxley

Beetles & Huxley gallery presents a series by golden age Hollywood photographer, Bob Willoughby. Audrey Hepburn and Dustin Hoffman are a few of the glamorous names featured

Bob Willoughby’s photographic sitters read like a roll call of the greatest and most glamorous in film and music – Audrey Hepburn , Richard Burton , Frank Sinatra , Chet Baker and Elvis Presley , to name a few. From September 16th, Beetles & Huxley are exhibiting a selection of iconic Willoughby images from the 1950s and 60s . 

Willoughby was the first ‘outside’ photographer employed by studios to document the making of films – in his 20 year career he covered over 100 films. Eschewing the typical, staged Hollywood pose, Willoughby favoured a more natural shot, often shooting his sitters in unguarded moments of relaxation and vulnerability. It was this behind the scenes approach that would guarantee his success.

In order to achieve his hallmark style Willoughby pioneered various techniques such as remote-controlled film cameras, which he made himself, or hiding amongst the film crew.

Highlights of the Beetles & Huxley exhibition include images of Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft on the set of The Graduate, and Audrey Hepburn between takes on the set of My Fair Lady. Catch it while you can.