David Unseen: Tony McGee reveals rare photographs of David Bowie in new exhibition

Bowie's image left a footprint in the minds of recent generations as one of the world's most charismatic and recognisable figures. However, few have had the opportunity to photograph Bowie and even fewer knew him as personally as McGee, with whom he shared a very close professional and friendly relationship.

"David Bowie is an icon, probably the most inventive musician during the last 80 years. To have worked with him on such a personal level was an enormous honour," said McGee. "This collection of images are 'unseen' and show David in his private 'off camera' moments."

McGee first met Bowie at a private cocktail party hosted by theatrical impresario and producer Michael White, where the photographer was introduced to Bowie by Jerry Hall and Coco Schwab. The two immediately bonded, building the beginning of a friendship that would span for more than 30 years.

A few days after their first meeting Tony was contacted by David’s record company and the first of their many photographic shoots together was arranged. Their first collaboration was to shoot all of the publicity for the 'Let’s Dance' Tour, 1983, and their photographic relationship continued well into the '90s. One of McGee's portraits of Bowie is in the permanent collection of National Portrait Gallery. McGee in fact photographed one of David’s most famous covers for Face Magazine, which was regarded by GQ as one of the most the influential magazine covers of the 1980s.

David Unseen opens on 18 May and runs until 27 May at Imitate Modern, 19 Shepherd Market, Mayfair W1J 7PJ.

All images courtesy of the gallery and copyright of Tony McGee