A new exhibition celebrating the work of photographer Dick Polak opened on Wednesday at the Gibson Gallery inside the Gibson Garage London. Titled Dick Polak: A 20th Century Boy, the show features rare and previously unseen portraits of major musicians from the 1960s and 1970s.

The exhibition presents intimate photographs that Polak captured during a period when he moved easily within the inner circles of rock and cultural icons. His portraits include candid moments with The Rolling Stones, John Lennon, The Who, the Faces, Marc Bolan, Jimmy Cliff, and Anita Pallenberg. Many of the images highlight Polak’s ability to blend into the atmosphere around him, allowing artists to relax in front of the camera.

Polak’s career took a defining turn in 1968 when Mick Jagger invited him to photograph the filming of The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus. The event featured a rare performance by The Dirty Mac, a short-lived supergroup that included John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, and Mitch Mitchell of The Jimi Hendrix Experience. Polak’s photographs from that set are regarded as some of the most revealing images from the session.

Polak, who died in April, is remembered by friends and collaborators as a quiet and easy presence who captured honest moments without staging or interruption. Charlotte Rampling recalled driving around Rome with him during a photoshoot, taking pictures wherever the day led them. Steve Winwood described him as someone who blended into rehearsals and studio sessions until the right moment appeared. Mick Brown noted that Polak not only witnessed the 1960s but preserved its spirit through his work.

The exhibition is accompanied by new artworks from Ronnie Wood, who contributed prints from his Paint It Black series. Wood reflected warmly on Polak, saying he was often present at gatherings, always photographing yet rarely noticed. Wood said that Polak’s personality is evident in the relaxed style of his images.

Visitors to the Gibson Gallery will have the opportunity to view and purchase prints from the Polak archives. The exhibition was curated by the Dick Polak Estate, the Gibson Garage London, and RedHouse Gallery with support from RedHouse Originals.

The Gibson Garage London, which opened last year at 61 to 62 Eastcastle Street, serves as an interactive music destination where fans can explore Gibson instruments, attend live performances, and experience the brand’s long history.

Dick Polak: A 20th Century Boy is now open to the public.

View and purchase images from Dick Polak: A 20th Century Boy at Redhouse Gallery.

Images credit: Dick Polak / the Estate of Dick Polak.

Author: Andrew Braithwaite

Andrew is the founder and chief editor of Music Talkers. He's also a keen music enthusiast and plays the guitar.