Mark Gerson, the photographer who captured definitive portraits of some of the most significant British artists of the post-war era, has died aged 88. His lens immortalised figures such as Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud, and Henry Moore, often in their studios, revealing the creative process behind their work.
Early Life and Career
Born in 1938 in London, Gerson developed an early interest in photography. After studying at the London College of Printing, he began his career as a freelance photographer. His big break came when he was commissioned by The Sunday Times to photograph artists for a series on contemporary British art.
Iconic Portraits
Gerson's approach was to capture artists in their natural environments, often surrounded by their works-in-progress. His portrait of Francis Bacon, taken in 1963, shows the painter in his chaotic studio, a space that was as much a part of his art as the canvases themselves. Similarly, his photograph of Lucian Freud, with his intense gaze and palette in hand, has become an enduring image of the artist.
Over the decades, Gerson photographed a who's who of British art, including David Hockney, Bridget Riley, and Barbara Hepworth. His work was not limited to artists; he also photographed writers, musicians, and actors, always seeking to reveal the person behind the public persona.
Legacy and Influence
Gerson's archives, now held by the National Portrait Gallery, provide an invaluable record of the British art scene from the 1960s onwards. His images have been exhibited internationally and published in numerous books. In 2015, a retrospective of his work was held at the National Portrait Gallery, cementing his status as one of the foremost portrait photographers of his generation.
Friends and colleagues remember him as a gentle and perceptive man, whose quiet manner put his subjects at ease. His ability to capture the essence of an artist's personality and creative spirit made his portraits timeless.
He is survived by his wife, two children, and four grandchildren.
