The Freeborn Exchange Exhibition

Honami Nishi, Japanese Designer © Gavin Freeborn 2014

The show is finally happening this week at Chelsea College of Arts in London. Follow and join in with the conversation online if you can’t make it in person. It would be great to hear from readers on social media via the Facebook Event page or @gavinfreeborn on Twitter.

#FreebornExchange

Exhibition dates: Wednesday 22 – Saturday 25 April 2015 

Photographic artist Gavin Freeborn trades his portraits for hospitality, skills and objects around the world.

——————————————————————————————–

London based Irish artist Freeborn seeks to take you on a journey of his international adventures. Inspired by artists who barter, he has exchanged his photographic portraits for other skills, objects and hospitality in over 20 countries since November 2011.

Aiming where possible to travel free from the constraints of conventional economics, Freeborn forms spontaneous relationships in an exciting way. He has selected artists from the community of Chelsea College of Arts to show works that relate to travel or exchange.

Freeborn will also host a unique pop-up portrait studio, where you will have the opportunity to meet him, propose a Freeborn Exchange and have your portrait made. You may even get featured on his blog, Facebook, or Twitter.

——————————————————————————————–

All welcome / Free entry

Wednesday 22 / Opening party / 5.30-8.00pm

Thursday 23 / Show open / 11.00-8.00pm

Friday 24 / Show open / 11.00-8.00pm

Friday 24 / Freeborn Exchange Social / 5.30-8.00pm

Saturday 25 / Show open/ 10.00-4.00pm 

Saturday 25/ Pop up portrait studio open / 11.00-2.00pm

Saturday 25/ Closing party / 2.00-4.00pm

Location / Cookhouse Gallery, Chelsea College of Arts, 16 John Islip Street, London, SW1P 4JU.

Chelsea College of Arts is situated in Pimlico, next door to Tate Britain, a five minute walk from Pimlico underground station. The Cookhouse Gallery is just off the corner of the parade ground square.

Directions to Chelsea College of Arts

Feel free to let me know you’re coming via the Facebook Event

www.facebook.com/freeborn.co / @gavinfreeborn on Twitter

#FreebornExchange

Contact / gavinfreeborn33@gmail.com / 07814620306

Brixton Blog & Brixton Bugle Party at Effra Social Club, Brixton

The Wonderful Co-Founding Editors Zoe Jewell & Tim Dickens, celebrating the holiday season and successes of their Indiegogo Crowdfunding Campaign

Just before i jetted off to Ireland for Christmas with family, covered in my last blog post, I went along to the Brixton Blog and Brixton Bugle (our monthly local newspaper) Christma my local Effra Social Club, Brixton. It was great to catch up with Tim & Zoe again after I’d made their double portrait earlier in the year in support of their Indiegogo Crowdfunding campaign for a new part-time news editor.

I met many lovely new people at the event and wanted to share this gallery so you can put faces to the names of some of Brixton’s solid gold local journalists. Their work really enriches the community of Brixton and further afield, with reporting on everything from Lambeth council and the police to arts and music. They are such an essential part of the cultural fabric on Brixton. Crowdfunders were also invited to pick up their perks from donating. A great night was had by all and I look forward to collaborating further with these lovely creative folk.

Crowdfunder and Lovely Brixton Local Gillian Gould picking up her reward of her very own Brixton Blog T-shirt

Eric The Fish Illustrator Pam Williams shows us her handiwork

The Faces behind “Faces of Brixton” feature, Alex & Cat

Felix Derosen, French born American Electronic Musician

Surprise New Staff Member soon to start with Brixton Blog & Brixton Bugle

Delightful Arts & Culture co-Editors, young husband and wife team Barney & Ruth Evison

Music Reviewer Dan Kelly, Barney Evison & Keith Lewis, Deputy Editor, sporting his very fashionable Brixton Blog bag!

Wherever you are in the world….stay in touch with what’s happening on the Brixton Blog and in the Brixton Bugle!

Connect up directly to these wonderfully creative folk on their websites or Twitter as follows…@Zoe_Jewell, @Tim_Dickens, Pam Williams (Illustrator/Writer/Coach), Alex & Cat @ Brixton Faces, @BarneyEvison, Ruth Evison @MinimalismBlog, Daniel Kelly @DPAKelly, @KeithJohnLewis

Christmas and New Year Season Highlights

Double trouble…the lovely Emily and Hannah getting in the “Christmas Spirit” at the Chelsea, Camberwell and Wimbledon Colleges of Art staff Christmas party, University of the Arts London

Emily hopes she hasn’t been to naughty for Santa to come this year…. in the “Christmas Spirit” at the Chelsea, Camberwell and Wimbledon Colleges of Art staff Christmas party, University of the Arts London

Is it a bird?, is it a plane?…no, it’s a man dressed as in a mince pie Christmas jumper at the Chelsea, Camberwell and Wimbledon Colleges of Art staff Christmas party, University of the Arts London

Cracking Christmas jumper with detachable candy canes at the Chelsea, Camberwell and Wimbledon Colleges of Art staff Christmas party, University of the Arts London

Stylish Maternity Christmas jumper at the Chelsea, Camberwell and Wimbledon Colleges of Art staff Christmas party, University of the Arts London

The magical lights of Christmas trees all around…I love spotting them as I travel around.

Christmas party with my highly cherished Duran Duran family/friends, London

Traditional Christmas Dinner….a veritable feast! Enough leftovers to last a large family a week! Duran, Duran, London

Traditional homemade Sherry Trifle by the lovely Mairead, more desert than we knew what to do with! Duran Duran, London

Showing friends how to get into the “Christmas Spirit” by setting the Christmas pudding on fire with alcohol before eating it with custard, cream and repeated dollops of sinful yet delicious brandy butter, Duran Duran, London

Secret Santa gifts including this fab “Murray Christmas” t-shirt displayed my it’s proud new owner, my brother-in-law to be, Paul McCormack, Duran Duran, London

Meeting Dave, co-founder of Brew By Numbers (BBNo.) in his rather jazzy Christmas cardigan…it must have been mating season for reindeer when this was knitted! Duran Duran, London

Spanish and Italian influenced food at the alternative Freeborn Christmas party, Brixton, London

Margherita Dell Piane, Queen of the Dancefloor, who could’t believe it when she won a ring in the first Christmas cracker she’d ever pulled, at the alternative Freeborn Christmas party, Brixton, London

Emma Pessato, Queen of the World, at our alternative Freeborn Christmas party, Brixton, London

Juan Rendon, King of the World, at our alternative Freeborn Christmas party, Brixton, London

Catching up with my old friend from agriculture college, John Graham, his wife Brid and their lovely new baby Judith, at their wonderful new business venture The Beehive Cafe, Sligo Folk Park, Ireland

Meeting Father Christmas in person and making his portrait…at Santatown, Sligo Folk Park, Ireland

Visiting the wonderful Goulden family and our grandaunt Ivy, who’s still as bright as a spark at 90 years of age, Co. Sligo, Ireland

Christmas Lunch, Sunday 21st of December at The wonderful Sandhouse Hotel, Rossnowlagh, Co. Donegal, Ireland…where we had a view of Donegal Bay and the Atlantic Ocean whilst enjoying top notch great value food.

Post lunch Impromptu family portrait at The Sandhouse Hotel, Rossnowlagh, Co. Donegal, Ireland

Santa is still coming to me bless him and me 35yrs old! I must be a VERY good boy 😉 – Donegal, Ireland

My 96yr old Grandmother Eileen Black, Co. Sligo, Ireland

Visiting a fine old family friend Tommy Keirans and chatting about his days farming, showing him photos and films of our brother Alasdair’s New Zealand farming practices, Co. Sligo, Ireland

Passing through the annual Boxing Day Hunt 2014 at Enniscrone, Co. Sligo, Ireland – I’m not pro hunting but I am highly intrigued by the traditions associated with hunting in terms of dress etc.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks all around the world bringing us from one year to another….I wish you health and happiness in 2015!

Meet Zoe and Tim – The Talented Folk behind Brixton Blog and Brixton Bugle

Zoe & Tim at Brixton Farmer’s Market

After meeting them initially on my Twitter, today I caught up in person with Zoe Jewell and Tim Dickens, founding editors of the fantastic Brixton Blog and Brixton Bugle at Brixton Market for delicious coffee from Wild Caper. We then went for a blissful foodie induced wander through the wonderful Brixton Farmer’s Market which runs every Sunday from 10am-2pm. It was great to hear about the history of their immense passion and energy which created Brixton Blog and Brixton Bugle. Both publications have become such integral elements of Brixton culture.

Some facts on their concerted work:

• Nominated for “Innovation of the Year” in the British Journalism of the Year Awards in 2013 (runners-up to The Guardian) .
• Average of 100,000 monthly page views on the website .
• We print 10,000 copies of the Bugle each month, and we’ve printed 27 editions
• We’ve got a combined Twitter following of 27,000.

They’re currently running a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo for a part time news editor which I’ve just donated to. Whether you’re in Brooklyn, Berlin or wherever…feel free to share this good cause and donate if you share their passion and energy for high quality local news reporting!

Honorary Freeborn Emma

Freeborn Emma Birthday Portrait Brixton Village October 2015

Originally from Trieste and educated in Venice to masters degree level in arts management, Emma moved to London from Italy last winter 2014. We met by chance when Emma was counting people at UAL for a living. Emma kept passing my office and after we had greeted each other several times I spoke to her in Italian. I had been thinking of developing this project towards an exhibition and possibly a publication, so it seemed as if Emma had been sent me by fate. I told her about all things Freeborn, we became great friends and Emma has been and continues to be a key part of my support team ever since. I now consider Emma an honorary Freeborn!

Armistice Day Portraits, Chelsea College of Arts, London

Les Eastwood, World War II Veteran – Wireman on Landing Craft at Normandy on D-Day 6th June 1944

World War II Veterans at today’s Chelsea SPACE and London Taxi Benevolent Fund’s Armistice event: A Day’s Silence at Chelsea College of Arts. Such wonderful characters! It’s quite something that these people were part of D-Day…an event which changed the history of the world as we know it! They were in great spirits and continue to tour with the project Veteran’s Road Trip orchestrated by artist in residence Janet Louise Hodgson.

Singing Veteran

Royal Hospital World War II Veteran in Scarlet Uniform

Still in fighting form!

Royal Hospital World War II Veteran

Retired London Black Cab Owner/Driver and Tour Guide, WWII Veteran Roy H Knight

WWII Parachute Regiment Soldier

Remembrance Sunday 2014, Brixton, London

9am Procession from outside Tate Library – Brixton

This year marks the centenary of the First World War (1914-1918). 2014 has seen numerous events marking this historic period and today millions around the world paid respect to the sacrifice made by so many young men. The Queen led the UK in remembrance at Whitehall today, joined by other members of the royal family, Prime Minister and many other dignitaries. Over 10,000 veterans marched past the Cenotaph afterwards. Closely connected with today is the art installation of red ceramic poppies at the Tower of London which has been seen by up to four million.

Earlier this morning I attended and photographed the Lambeth Remembrance Service and Wreath Laying Ceremony which was a more intimate and yet equally poignant event in Brixton, Borough of Lambeth, London.

Procession making it’s way around St Matthew’s Church, Brixton

Procession making it’s way around St Matthew’s Church, Brixton

Remembrance Procession crossing Brixton Hill

Remembrance Procession approaching Lambeth Town Hall

A Minute’s Silence in Remembrance inside Lambeth Town Hall

Proceeding to the Memorial Window in Lambeth Town Hall

Remembrance Ceremony by the Memorial Window in Lambeth Town Hall

Mayor of Lambeth Councillor Adedamola Aminu lays a wreath on the Memorial Window at Lambeth Town Hall

Red Poppy Remembrance Wreath on the Memorial Window, Lambeth Town Hall

Pete Elliott, Lambeth Green Party – Served in Northern Ireland, 1st Gulf War & Iraq in 2005

Detective Chief Superintendent Richard Wood, Borough Commander for Lambeth

Mayor of Lambeth, Councillor Adedamola Aminu in Lambeth Town Hall

Former Mayor of Lambeth Cllr Daphne Marchant wearing her British Empire Medal

 

 

Brockwell Park Fireworks 2014, London

Brockwell Park Fireworks, London

Fireworks are exploding into the dark evening skies all over London and Britain this week around the annual traditional Bonfire or Guy Fawkes night as it is referred to here in England. I was out with my camera to capture the action and most importantly make portraits of some of the people enjoying this festive week. Brockwell Park near Brixton, Herne Hill and Tulse Hill was full of wonderful folk and fun was had by all. Here’s a selection for all to enjoy, whether you’re in South London or Slovakia!

If you want to catch some more of the action then have a look at the Time Out London guide to London Firework displays.

Conrad & River Sharp enjoying a sparkler

Brockwell Park Bonfire

James & Bex from Crystal Palace

Caribbean Food Stall with Curry Goat…Yum!

Mehki, Nadine & Mylah Nicole from Stockwell Waiting for the Fireworks

The Excited Crowd at Brockwell Park Fireworks

Waiting Wide-Eyed

Brockwell Park Fireworks

Emma, Roanne, Emma & Stephanie Enjoy the Festivities

Brockwell Park Fireworks

Christina & Alisha in Fur & Wellie Boots

Prince Regent Pub Buzzing & Local Fresh Jerk Stalls Nearby

Kerry & Nick Share a traditional Sticky Toffee Apple outside Effra Social Club

Lambeth Council Encourage All to Have a Safe Journey Home

 

 

 

Top 30 Freeborn Portraits of Halloween 2014 in Brixton, London

Abby Munroe General Manager @ The Dogstar 

Sorcery and black magic were cast all over the world last night. It proved to be an excellent night to explore with my Canon 7D, 50mm 1.4F lens and 580EXII Speedlite flash. Thanks to everyone who was truly #Freeborn and expressed their wonderful creativity!

These are the top 30 Freeborn portraits from adventures through the streets of Brixton, Market Row, Brixton Village Market and Effra Social Club with The Crumps Cramps Tribute Band performing downstairs whilst The Artful Badger performed incantations above in the haunted upstairs flats…the weekend isn’t over yet…and wherever you are in the world…be sure to enjoy the fun that is…Halloween!

Pearl looking Groovy Outside The Ritzy cinema

Effra Social Club Crew

Chef @ Carioca Brazilian Restaurant, Brixton Market Row

Brazilian Waitress at Carioca Brazilian Restaurant in Brixton Market Row

Nosferatu @El Rancho De Lalo Colombian Restaurant, Brixton Village Market

Zombie Chef from Romania, Brixton Market Row

Zombie Girl @ Effra Social Club

James Burgess, Lead Singer of The Awesome… “The Crumps Cramps Tribute Band” @ Effra Social Club

Irene, Franco Manca Staff at London’s Best Pizza Place, Brixton Market Row

The Joker Dining @ KaoSarn Thai Cafe, Brixton Village Market

Monster & Zombie Family in Brixton Village Market

Zombie Man in Brixton Village Market

Happy Dumplings Waitress, Brixton Market Row

Rosie sparkling magically on Windrush Square, Brixton

Elieser @ Senzala Creperie in Brixton Village Market

Italian Zombie Girl Angela, Staff at Chill Box, Brixton Market Row

Zombie Nurse AKA Jazz Singer Rachel D’Arcy on Windrush Square

Nocturnal City Fox Elliott on Windrush Square

Doll Face & Goth on Effra Road

Rock Glitter Boys Rich & Dodd on Effra Road

Ella The Pencil Girl on Effra Road

Aaron & Theo The Box Boys on Effra Road

A Unicorn called Amelia on Brixton Hill

Effra Social Club Crew

Bianca Being Blindfolded For The Artful Badger’s Magical Ritualistic Performance @ Effra Social Club

Dan Hernandez of Artful Badger Making Magic Happen @ Effra Social Club

Bianca’s Pure Ecstasy During The Artful Badger’s Magical Ritualistic Performance @ Effra Social Club

Bar Manager Rob Being Led Away For The Artful Badger’s Magical Ritualistic Performance @ Effra Social Club he runs

Effra Social Club Logo Modelled By Bianca

RIP David Redfern, Legendary British Music Photographer

My impromptu portrait of David Redfern

The world says goodbye to one of it’s most talented music photographers after the recent passing of David Redfern, aged 78. It was deeply saddening to hear this news, knowing of David’s battle with cancer over the past two years. We met when David had given a talk about his life’s work, five decades of music photography including the British and American Jazz, Blues, Rock and Pop scenes. His speciality was photographing festivals such as Newport Jazz Festival, between Boston and New York, and documenting legendary music venues such as Ronnie Scotts in Soho, London where he photographed Ella Fitzgerald and many more greats.

In 1995 three of his photos-Louis Armstrong, Coleman Hawkins, and Thelonius Monk-were chosen for U.S. postage stamps. His breadth of work went from being Frank Sinatra’s tour photographer to working with current coolest of the cool bands such as Arcade Fire. A number of decades ago David set up his own photography agency Redfern and then sold it to Getty Images in 2008, reserving rights to his favourite 1000 images for sale as prints. The talk was part of the Dobells Jazz Record Shop exhibition at CHELSEA Space, London, in May 2013.

The exhibition of an archive of items from the legendary record shop contained a number of David’s images of the Jazz scene and it’s musicians from the 60’s. After the talk we went to The Morpeth Arms pub and had a great chat with David about his life’s adventures as an international music photographer. He was joined by his charming and loving wife Susy Reed fashion entrepreneur who creates fabulous textile prints with David through his images.

David Redfern at CHELSEA Space May 2013

These three image were made whilst we walked the short distance of one short street from CHELSEA Space to the pub. Later on David had told me that he hadn’t had his portrait made by many people. I was transfixed by David’s spirit just as he was by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Nina Simone or Johnny Cash when he photographed them. Shortly afterwards I got in touch to offer David and Susy some prints as a gift in return for the wonderful and inspirational evening we’d shared. We arranged to meet for lunch in west London near David’s home but unfortunately David wasn’t well enough on the day. I knew he was going through some very tough chemotherapy but was being ever so strong in fighting it always staying philosophical and positive.

David Redfern with Donald Smith, Director of CHELSEA Space & Chair of Chelsea Arts Club Trust

We crossed paths again whilst David was showing his work at the Royal Festival Hall in London and I was struck by his determination for business as usual. Sunday lunch and the gift of my humble snaps was mentioned again but when I called to arrange it David had moved to his second home in France to take advantage of a better healthcare system there. It was there a few months after, in the gentle loving care of his wife Suzy that David lost his fight with cancer, but he lived his life to full right to the end. It’s clear from David’s summer newsletter on his website that he was still enthralled and electrified by his beloved music scene and the gift he had bestowed upon him as a photographer.

He spent four days at the Vienne Jazz festival, in the front of stage pit, shooting the great Buddy Guy and many more. Then two days in Juan les Pins, with Imelda May, Joss Stone to name but a few. David was planning travel and exhibitions right to the end. To quote him “Keep the faith and live every day to the full,  you just never know…….”

This week sees David honoured in many of the top international media including a Rolling Stone gallery where you can see his greatest photos of 1960s rock royalty, The Guardian gallery and the Under the Radar Mag feature. You can also have a look at David Redfern’s website which includes Suzy Reed’s fashion brand. You can also purchase David Redfern’s book.

CHELSEA Space at Chelsea College of Arts, Millbank, London is run by the very talented artist, curator and more, Donald Smith, also Chair of Chelsea Arts Club Trust. Thanks to Donald for organising this and many other great shows which bring such splendid culture together for celebration. My memories of the high spirits shared that evening will last forever.