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John Claridge: Capturing London's Soul in Black & White
9 Jun
Summary
- His early passion for photography began with a quest for a plastic camera.
- Claridge achieved acclaim in advertising, working for major global brands.
- His intimate portraits of London's East End are highly revered.
- He cited JMW Turner and photographers Frank, Evans, Man Ray as influences.
Photographer John Claridge, renowned for his intimate portrayals of London's East End, has died at the age of 81. His photographic journey began in his youth with a desire to capture the world around him, leading to a distinguished career in advertising.
Claridge's advertising work saw him collaborate with prestigious clients such as Rolls-Royce and Porsche, earning him significant industry recognition. Despite this glamorous success, his most cherished work remains his evocative black-and-white photographs of his native East London, particularly those from the 1960s and 70s.
These personal projects, gathered in his 2016 monograph 'East End,' are imbued with the spirit of his upbringing and the stories shared by his family. Influenced by artists like JMW Turner and photographers such as Robert Frank, Claridge developed a unique style.
His career began with an assistant role at an advertising agency, where his talent was quickly recognized. He later honed his skills working with prominent photographers and eventually established his own studio, embarking on a successful freelance career.
In his later years, Claridge continued to document the vibrant life of London's Soho and divided his time between the city and his home in France. He is survived by his second wife, Janet.
