William Klein at 100: A Retrospective at HackelBury Gallery
In celebration of photographer William Klein's centenary, the HackelBury Gallery in London will host a retrospective exhibition titled 'William Klein 100', running from 9 September 2026 to 2 February 2027. This showcase will feature pieces from a secured cabinet in Klein's Paris studio, highlighting both fashion photography and abstract light studies. His gallerist, Marcus Bury, who has collaborated with Klein since the 1990s, characterizes him as 'confrontational'. Klein's journey began when Alexander Liberman from American Vogue discovered him in Paris, but he lost his position after satirizing the industry in his 1966 film 'Who Are You, Polly Maggoo?'. The exhibition will also include renowned street images like 'Gun 1, New York, 1955', alongside his last film, 'Messiah' (1999). Klein passed away in 2022.
Key facts
- William Klein retrospective at HackelBury Gallery, London, from 9 September 2026 to 2 February 2027.
- Exhibition marks Klein's 100th birthday.
- Includes works from a locked cupboard in Klein's Paris studio, unopened for 20 years.
- Marcus Bury, gallerist at HackelBury, has worked with Klein since the 1990s.
- Klein was known for his confrontational style and protective nature over his work.
- Klein's career launched with American Vogue, discovered by Alexander Liberman.
- Klein lost his Vogue job after mocking the fashion industry in his 1966 film 'Who Are You, Polly Maggoo?'.
- Klein's final film 'Messiah' (1999) pairs Handel's oratorio with modern imagery.
Entities
Artists
- William Klein
- Daidō Moriyama
- Martin Parr
- Bruce Gilden
- Richard Avedon
- Henri Cartier-Bresson
- Muhammad Ali
- Björn Borg
- Venus Williams
- Eric Cantona
- Alexander Liberman
- Diana Vreeland
Institutions
- HackelBury Gallery
- Tate Modern
- American Vogue
- Vogue
- Magnum Photos
- Paris Photo
- Rencontres de la photographie d'Arles
- Photo Poche
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- New York
- United States
- Paris
- France
- Rome
- Italy
- Arles