These glorious portraits by the legendary John Swannell hark to a bygone, more glamorous era [NSFW]

John Swannell's iconic photography is showcased in a new exhibition titled "Putting on the Ritz," which pays homage to a golden, more glamorous era of fame and glamour. The exhibition features portraits taken by Swannell for the influential magazine Ritz, launched in 1976, which played a significant role in popularizing celebrity culture in the UK.

The magazine, known for its daring fusion of celebrity interviews, fashion photography, and gossip, was heavily influenced by American titles like Rolling Stone and Andy Warhol's Interview. Swannell's career in photography began in 1962, where he started as a darkroom printer in Fleet Street before landing a dream job as an assistant at Vogue's studios, working alongside renowned photographers such as Richard Avedon, Helmut Newton, and David Bailey.

After four years, Swannell decided to establish his own career and developed a unique style that soon made him one of the most sought-after fashion and portrait photographers of his time. His portfolio boasts an impressive list of subjects, ranging from music icons to royalty. Notably, Princess Diana commissioned Swannell to photograph her with her sons, William and Harry, in 1994.

Furthermore, he has photographed the Queen Mother for a commemorative stamp celebrating her 100th birthday and has had the privilege of photographing Queen Elizabeth II on multiple occasions, including for her Golden Jubilee and Diamond Jubilee. Swannell's work has been widely exhibited across the globe, with over 50 of his images held in the collection of the National Portrait Gallery in London.

Currently, the Ritz photographs are on display at the Chris Beetles Gallery in London until October 24, 2026, with most of the images available for purchase in an edition of 25.