Discovery of David Bailey's Iconic 1965 'Box of Pin-Ups' Proof Copy

In a remarkable turn of events, the original proof copy of David Bailey's seminal 1965 'Box of Pin-Ups' has been uncovered, shedding light on a pivotal moment in photographic history. This near-mint condition preprint features 36 portraits of iconic figures from the 1960s, including John Lennon and Mick Jagger, and is set to be sold for £25,000, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of its publication.

The 'Box of Pin-Ups' was a defining photographic collection that captured the essence of the swinging sixties, a period characterized by cultural upheaval and the rise of celebrity culture. The proof copy was discovered in the private collection of David Hillman, a renowned graphic designer who played a crucial role in its inception alongside Mark Boxer, a magazine editor and political cartoonist. Hillman’s letter accompanying the proof confirms its authenticity and details the collaborative nature of the project: "Mark, a friend of David Bailey’s, came up with the idea for a box of pin-ups – an idea Bailey was enthusiastic about. Bailey selected the photographs, and Mark tasked me with designing and managing the project under his direction."

Originally published in 1965 by Weidenfeld & Nicolson, the portfolio included portraits of notable figures such as Michael Caine, Vidal Sassoon, and Rudolf Nureyev. However, plans for a second edition were thwarted due to controversy surrounding the inclusion of notorious gangsters, the Kray twins, which sparked significant debate and ultimately led to the cancellation of a U.S. edition. Oliver Bayliss, the director of Bayliss Rare Books in London, emphasizes the significance of this proof copy, stating, "What makes it so fascinating is that this isn’t just a production copy or a variant. It is the prototype – the moment Bailey’s concept became a finished object."

The 'Box of Pin-Ups' has since become a highly sought-after collection, with original editions fetching prices around £20,000, particularly those signed by Bailey himself. Bayliss notes the collection's cultural impact, highlighting Bailey's informal style that diverged from the more formal portraiture of previous eras. He states, "Bailey had, and still has, an uncanny ability to capture the personality of his sitters, not just their appearance."

The discovery of this proof copy not only enriches the narrative of Bailey’s work but also serves as a reminder of the cultural significance of the 1960s, a decade that was marked by radical change in art, music, and fashion. With only four of the 36 portraits featuring women, the collection reflects the gender dynamics of its time, as noted by Francis Wyndham’s commentary on the predominance of male figures.

As the auction approaches, collectors and photography enthusiasts alike are eager to see how this rare item will be received in the market, and what it signifies for the legacy of one of Britain's most influential photographers. The 'Box of Pin-Ups' remains, as Bayliss argues, "one of the most iconic photography collections of the 20th century," encapsulating a moment in time that continues to resonate today.