An exhibition celebrating the work of Dennis Morris to open at The Photographers’ Gallery
Opening at The Photographers’ Gallery this June, ‘Music + Life’ traces five decades of British-Jamaican photographer Dennis Morris’s groundbreaking photography—capturing iconic musicians, the rise of reggae and punk, and the realities of Black British life.
Dennis Morris, Babylon by van, London, 1973. © Dennis Morris
This summer, The Photographers’ Gallery in London presents Music + Life, a landmark exhibition celebrating the work of British-Jamaican photographer Dennis Morris. Famed for his intimate, behind-the-scenes portraits of musical legends including Bob Marley, The Sex Pistols, and Grace Jones, Morris has spent decades chronicling the intersections of music, identity, and social change. The exhibition brings together over 50 years of his work—vivid snapshots of culture that shaped generations, from the soulful rhythms of reggae to the unruly edge of punk and beyond.
Dennis Morris’s creative journey took a defining turn when, as a teenager, he skipped school to ask Bob Marley for a photograph—an encounter that sparked a lifelong partnership. He went on to document Marley on tour, at home, and in moments of quiet reflection, building a body of work that remains one of the most intimate visual records of the reggae icon. Morris’s reputation soon caught the attention of John Lydon, leading him to become the official photographer for The Sex Pistols. His raw, unfiltered images of the band’s anarchic rise mirrored the chaos and energy of the punk movement. Reflecting on these pivotal experiences, Morris said, “Bob Marley gave me a sense of myself… then punk came along and taught me how to kick the door down.” His portraits reveal more than just the faces of music legends—they capture the spirit of cultural upheaval and transformation.
Beyond the music, Music + Life also showcases Morris’s early documentary work, portraying everyday life in post-war, multicultural London. Series such as Growing Up Black and This Happy Breed celebrate the strength and spirit of Black and Asian British communities through scenes of family life, church gatherings, and sound system parties. With a camera in hand, Morris became both witness and participant—capturing moments of beauty, pride, and resistance with rare authenticity. Presented in collaboration with the Maison Européenne de la Photographie (MEP), the exhibition also coincides with the release of a new monograph, Dennis Morris: Music + Life, published by Thames & Hudson.
Date: 27 June – 21 September 2025. Location: The Photographers’ Gallery, 16–18 Ramillies Street, London W1F 7LW. Price: £10 (standard), £7 (concessions), £8.50/£6 (advance online booking), free for members. Book now.
