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PETER HANKFIELD

Originally from Liverpool, Peter had always immersed himself in rock culture. Lacking a musical ear, he had an eye for photography from an early age. Whilst the whole of Liverpool was listening to the Beatles on the radio, Peter had already proudly turned his attention to the American music scene. In 1969 at barely 18 years old, contrary to the wishes of his parents he decided to go to London to become a photographer. Peter knew that institutional training would not suit his strong personality. He therefore chose to train himself. Up against rebuffs but inspired by the criticism and advice handed out to him, Peter learnt to become a good technician and ended up a talented photographer. In July 1972 when Peter was only just 23 years old he went to Montreal to photograph the Rolling Stones in concert. His career as a photographer had taken off. He worked either by commission or by offering his shots to major newspapers. His skill allowed him to disengage from technical contingencies achieving artistic candid photos. He was not content to photograph music legends like Marley, Keith Richards, James Brown and Miles Davis. He mixed with them. It was his knowledge of the milieu and his huge respect for the musicians which allowed him to grasp on-stage reality. Now aged 63, Peter has chosen to live in Cornwall in the village of Polperro. He continues to work as a photographer and exhibits regularly ... See more See less