White Camera Diaries

- David Gwinnutt with Quentin Crisp. Chelsea Arts Club, London.  c1985.

Following the success of my current exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery,  called 'Before we were men'  http://www.npg.org.uk/whatson/display/2017/david-gwinnutt and my forthcoming show, Dear David.... at DuoVision, The Gallery, Liverpool, The White Camera Diaries is a book of my portrait photographs , stories and letters from my time as a young  gay man photographing  London's cultural scene in the 1980's, where established icons mixed with the rising  avant garde stars of the gay underground.

The book will have many of my best known images with many unseen photos  and stories of what lies behind the portrait, including my pratfalls and sexual adventures with some of the most iconic figures of this important time in British culture. Beautifully designed by Heather Whitbread and with a forward by Edmund White, the book will offer not only a unique insight into this period but an entertaining and revealing self-potrait of a young gay man making his way in the world. I recently gave a series of talks and photography workshops to young people (many LGBTI) at the NPG as part of my exhibition. The value of my work talking to these young people was such that many posted on social media how inspiring it was to hear from an openly queer artist and it changed their outlook on what was possible.  It would be great if the book and the story could inspire and help others with their identity or creativity in any way.  

Once published I plan to tour specialist bookshops giving talks about my experience and hope to entertain and inform in equal measure.

Any donation is much appreciated however small and I need to rasie as much as possible by September 1st. I hope you can help! For anyone feeling very generous I can offer...

1. Donators of £50 or more will receive an aknowledgment in the book & a signed copy of WCD.

2. Donators of £500 or more will receive 1 & a signed  limited edition 12x16'' print from the book. Selected images only

3. Donators of £1000 or more will receive 1 & a signed limited edition A2 print from the book. Subject to availability

The money raised will cover the design and production costs. As many of you know, I don't often shout about my work, or the encounters I've had but I feel now is the time !!  So, if you'd like to hear the full story of what really happened... you can...please donate! Thank you in anticipation. David Gwinnutt

Below, detail of a letter from Ossie Clark. The black areas are silhouette's of fashion models creating a geometric patten and he's written in the space between. Below is a small extract from my story about Ossie who I met through the artist Patrick Procktor, he called me  'Nanny'   (long story - later!)  The David and Celia referred to are David Hockney  and Celia Bertwell.Edmund White, Paris. 1985. by David Gwinnutt 'He was a very handsome lad with his ski-jump nose, his restless gaze, his full lips,his slender but toned body, his manner that was boyish in the salon and manly in the boudoir. He liked a good laugh but in his case laughter could quickly make him cry and piss his pants... He was extreme in everything. One day he painted his camera white. It was as if he had to put his seal on everything  he touched intimately. I know he left his mark on me'. Edmund White. Detail of portrait of Trojan & Leigh Bowery. Farrell House, E1. c 1983.If you'd like to read the story of my first encounter with club legend Leigh Bowery. Please donate.Many thanks David