A landmark photography project
Photography by Ben Heath and Nathan Ianos
Kevin Cummins, born in Withington in 1953, is best known for photographing the Manchester music scene. A timeline that stretches from the burgeoning punk scene of the late 1970s, the emergence of bands such as Joy Division, The Stone Roses and The Smiths in the 1980s and through the 1990s, documenting the rise of the Happy Mondays, New Order and Oasis.
Working as a photographer for NME, he produced some of the publication's era defining front pages – most notably The Stone Roses ‘paint splatter’ shoot. Kevin was instrumental in establishing City Life, Manchester’s ‘what’s on’ guide and a founding contributor to The Face.
Oasis
Ian Curtis - Joy Division
Shaun Ryder & Tony Wilson
The Stone Roses
The Smiths
Now based in London, but with business and cultural commitments in Manchester, as well as being a life long Manchester City fan, Kevin is still a regular visitor.
Music fan’s fascination with the Manchester music scene over the decades has ensured Kevin’s work is perpetually exhibited.
THE SHOOT: Whitworth Street railway arches, Manchester
The backdrop of Victorian brickwork synonymous with the city
Student reflection: Nathan Ianos
"Meeting and photographing Kevin Cummins was a surreal experience. I have researched and analysed his work many times in my two years of study at The Manchester College. Although we only had limited time, Kevin passed on valuable advice about copyrighting and marketing photographic work. The experience of meeting and working with someone you've never met before, has shown me the importance of taking time to get to know your subject."
