Legendary rock photographer Jill Furmanovsky to exhibit life’s work at Manchester City Library

The city is set to host an exhibition featuring over 80 iconic images of music’s greatest legends, captured by one of the world’s most renowned rock photographers, Jill Furmanovsky.

From April 15 to June 24, 2023, visitors to Manchester Central Library will be treated to a unique display of Furmanovsky’s emotive and intimate photographs, showcasing the essence of music icons such as Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, The Police, Bob Marley, and The Rolling Stones, to name just a few.

Furmanovsky has been photographing musicians for over five decades, documenting the rise of some of the most legendary rock bands and musicians such as Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, Oasis, and U2. Her work has graced album covers, music magazines, and has been exhibited all over the world.

The exhibition, guest-curated by Noel Gallagher and photo-historian Gail Buckland, offers visitors a unique insight into Furmanovsky’s relationship with her subjects and the emotive quality of her work. An audio tour narrated by Jill herself will be available for visitors to access through their own headphones, bringing the stories behind the imagery closer to the audience.

In addition to her classic works, the exhibition will also feature contemporary content, including photographs taken during her year as Abbey Road’s artist-in-residence in 2017 and shots from the Glastonbury Festival featuring Stormzy and Billie Eilish.

Furmanovsky’s work is widely celebrated, and she has received numerous awards for her contributions to the world of rock photography, including the Royal Photographic Society’s Centenary Medal in 2011. Her work captures not only the raw energy of live performances, but also intimate on-the-road shoots, fashion-inspired portraiture, and sensitive images of reclusive subjects such as Jeff Buckley, Eric Clapton, and Bob Dylan.

The exhibition is sponsored by MPB, Hipgnosis Song Management Ltd, BIMM Institute Manchester, and Yvonne Gordon. Manchester was chosen as the launch location due to Furmanovsky’s special connection with the city, having covered many local bands over her career, including Oasis, Buzzcocks, Joy Division, The Fall, and The Smiths.

Cllr John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure, said, “We are delighted that Jill has chosen to launch her new photography exhibition in Manchester’s Central Library. Her connection with the city through her work with Manchester bands is clear, and there is no better place to showcase her work than Manchester, a city which has such a rich and diverse music scene.”

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the work of one of the most influential photographers in the world of rock and roll. The exhibition will be held on the first-floor exhibition space at Manchester Central Library and is wheelchair accessible. Admission is free, so mark your calendars and get ready to be transported through the decades of music history!