PRS for Music: 100 Years of Music at Getty Images Gallery

Last night an eclectic bunch of musical artists, from Ivor Novello to Dizee Rascal and Arctic Monkeys to Joan Armatrading were housed within the minimalist and compact Getty Images Gallery, just off Oxford Street. In the form of portraits by a variety of photographers including Lucy Sewill, these iconic images were presented for the admiration of an energetic crowd, including Amatrading herself as well as Bob Geldof who also features in the exhibition. 

A diverse selection was on display, from well-recognised images such as the Rolling Stones in Green Park, taken by Peter Stone for the Daily Mirror in 1967 to lesser known glimpses of a spirited Noel Coward as well as a quietly moving, pastel-like colour image of Amy Winehouse looking shyly away from the camera.

All of the artists featured were or are members of PRS for Music (formerly The Performing Rights Society), which works to “protect the value of copyright and help provide an income for composers, songwriters and music publishers”. This event was just one of a range which PRS are hosting in order to celebrate their centenary year.

And it was a merry celebration. Relaxed but buzzing, champagne was served (fittingly) as were canapés. A short speech was given by the company director who thanked the crowd for recognising the important work of the PRS to protect the rights of artists as well as acknowledging the sad passing of multi-award winning songwriter, publisher and record label owner Peter Callander, who sadly passed away on the 25^th of February.

Kate Knowles
Photos: Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images

100 Years of Music is at Getty Images Gallery from 4^th March until 12^th March 2014. For further information visit the gallery’s website here.