Fiorentini + Baker to host exhibition of legendary photographer Cornel Lucas

The New York location will feature over 40 works both modern and original, vintage prints New York City – June XXX 2012: An extensive retrospective exhibition of work by legendary, British, cinematic photographer Cornel Lucas will be held at the Fiorentini + Baker store and show room. The extensive show will feature both modern and original vintage prints of some of the world’s most celebrated film stars – spanning nearly 5 decades (not sure about this Liney/Corney can you clarify). This is the very first time the British photographer, who will be celebrating his 92nd birthday as the exhibition opens, will have his iconic work displayed in New York. During his seventy-year career Lucas has photographed some of the world’s greatest film stars both at Pinewood Studios, in London and on film locations all over the world. Marlene Dietrich was arguably his most renowned and just the first of many legendary faces Lucas immortalised at the dizzy heights of their stardom. Brigitte Bardot, Joan Collins, Katherine Hepburn, Jean Simmons, Claudia Cardinale, David Niven, Dirk Bogarde, Alec Guinness and Diana Dors were all captured in his lens along with a long list of others. His images epitomise the style and glamour of the era and it was this unique encapsulation of that time, which appealed to British born designer and founder of the fashion brand Fiorentini + Baker - Deborah Baker, prompting her to invite Lucas to exhibit at her flagship Mercer Street store and show room in New York City. ‘When I first saw Cornel’s work in a London gallery I was instantly mesmerised by the beauty and style of the images, ‘ Explains the designer. ‘They chronicle an era of style and glamour that I really admire and since seeing his work its originality has really inspired me – we’re very proud to be hosting this exciting exhibition.’ Lucas was the master of the 12 x 10 large format plate camera, but also of light and shade. It is prevalent throughout his work, creating stunning, rich portraits, which are full of life and luminosity. Lucas was the first stills photographer ever to receive a Bafta in honour of his services to the film industry. ‘I’m very pleased to see my work still attracts interest and audiences after all these years – I feel that good photography is timeless.’ Explains Lucas. ‘I’m also very excited to have an exhibition in New York – this will be the very first time my work has been on show there.’ (LINEY/CORNY FEEL FREE TO CHANGE THIS COMPLETELY IF YOU DON”T LIKE IT) The extensive exhibition will open on 5th September with a private viewing and will run until XX November at Fiorentini + Baker 54 Mercer Street, SoHo, NYC. All of the portraits both vintage and modern prints will be available for sale. For further media information and lo resolution images please contact Cassie Young on [email protected]