Slideshows - Iconic images

Photographer of the stars, Terry O'Neill has captured musical royalty from Frank Sinatra and The Beatles to Hollywood stars such as Bridget Bardot, Raquel Welch and Liza Minnelli.

But no-one has appeared before his lens more than Sir Elton John.

What began as a photo shoot with the new kid on the pop block in the early 70's, developed into friendship and a photographic partnership spanning decades.

Terry was even given access to Elton’s private jet, where he photographed the star passing the time, by playing the piano for all the crew. 

After hearing a song from an early album, Terry immediately wanted to photograph Elton.  Although still relatively on his rise to fame, Elton showed he was a true entertainer by leaping up and performing a hand stand on his piano, giving Terry a truly great first image.

As Elton’s popularity and fame increased, Terry had the opportunity to follow the star on tour, sneaking on stage to capture the electric atmosphere as Elton wowed 80.000 fans at Dodger Stadium – something no other photographer had ever dared to do.

Part of Terry’s success was his ability to capture stars in private and as a flamboyant entertainer, Elton willingly showed off his colossal collection of clothes and shoes that he is now so infamously associated with - even posing in hot pants for the event.

As one of the most photographed women in history, Elizabeth Taylor has graced our screens for well over six decades. As one of Hollywood’s greatest actresses, from child star to screen siren, she exudes glamour and beauty marking her place in history as a true 20th century icon.

Terry O’Neill was lucky enough to photograph Liz after an introduction from Richard Burton. Terry had a great admiration for Liz, and her a fondness for him which would enable the kind of access most photographers were denied. As captured here, in her dressing room in 1969. Others stars of Liz’s stature wouldn’t dream of being photographed without their make-up so it was amazing Liz would let Terry anywhere near her dressing room.

It was a meeting arranged by Terry that would capture this next shot, the unlikely combination of Liz Taylor and rising star David Bowie, photographed in Beverley Hills in 1975.

Liz thought David would be ideal for a new movie role and asked Terry to photograph them together. On the day, David was nearly four hours late but Liz ever the professional, kept calm and collective throughout the shoot. However, it wasn’t the done thing to keep a Hollywood star waiting, so it was no surprise Bowie didn’t get the part!

With a Hollywood lifestyle, comes Hollywood parties and Elizabeth Taylor was no stranger to the Glitz and glamour of ‘A’ list events. As terry captured in this next picture, in LA 1987.

Although Liz was undoubtedly the biggest star at the event, she felt shy around the new breed of Hollywood actors/actresses. However Terry introduced Liz to all the stars, capturing her with the likes of Robert De Niro and Harrison Ford.

Liz was more than happy to pose for Terry in the comfort of her own home, dressing immaculately and dripping in her favourite accessories, diamonds… as captured in this next shot in 1988.

As the legendary bad boys of Rock, The Rolling Stones have been in the business for 45 years. Celebrity photographer Terry O’Neill was lucky enough to capture the band at the beginning of their success, giving us an insight to the boys behind the pictures. He snapped them outside the Tin Pan Alley club, Denmark Street, London in 1963 - an area synonymous with the music publishing world. 

He was asked by The Daily Sketch to take pictures of the next big thing, but the editor wasn’t happy, he wanted pretty boys, not ugly one’s and made Terry go and photograph the Dave Clarke 5.  Although not the best looking of bands, their raw talent would be sure to capture the attention of the music scene.

This photo shows Mick Jagger, wearing a furry parka in a BBC dressing room in 1964. By now, Terry had gained behind the scenes access to the band, and their trust enabling him to get this cheeky shot of Mick. 

The rising stars would always have time to chat with fans, and Terry would find them in the canteen laughing and chatting with the ladies who worked there. As captured here in 1965 in the BBC canteen before a performance on Top of the Pops.

As one of the most iconic entertainers of the 21st Century, Frank Sinatra was the epitome of class & elegance, the ultimate entertainer with timeless appeal. Terry O’Neill was one of the lucky few photographers to capture Frank in private; who gained a glimpse of the man behind the legend.

This shot of Frank from 1968 is one of Terry’s most famous. Seen walking along a Miami boardwalk, on his way, to the set of his latest movie, Frank left holiday makers stunned.

Sinatra was a difficult star to gain access too, but luckily for Terry, a personally written letter from Frank’s ex wife Ava Gardener, convinced him to let Terry tag along for two weeks, capturing Frank on set during the day and on stage at night.

This 1968 image from Terry’s first two weeks with Frank, sees the star deep in thought, but about what? Or more like who?  Possibly Ava Gardener, Frank’s ex wife.

The couple shared a tempestuous relationship, and although divorced for over 10 years, Ava had flown into town to see Frank, only to leave suddenly after a heated meeting.   

Terry was lucky enough to work with Frank many times throughout his career, regarding him as one of the greatest performers he ever photographed. 

In 1989 Terry captured Frank as he rehearsed for a performance at the Royal Albert Hall.  Although Frank took his work seriously, his sense of humour was well known, and captured perfectly in this photo.