The first large-scale exhibition of photographs by Reg Wilson, one of London’s most prolific photographers of the performing arts whose subjects included Rudolf Nureyev, Pavarotti and Bryn Terfel, will premier at Wales Millennium Centre (WMC) from 10 January – 18 February before touring the UK.Capturing the Moment by Reg Wilson forms part of the Victoria & Albert (V&A) Theatre Collection and consists of more than 100 photographs which includes the infamous picture of Princess Diana dancing with Wayne Sleep. WMC’s Arts & Audience Development Director Fiona Allan explains, “Reg Wilson captured wonderful images of Rudolf Nureyev and Dame Margot Fonteyn, perhaps the most famous partnership in the history of ballet, as well as stars such as Maria Callas, The Beatles, Sir Geraint Evans and Darcy Bussell. “Not only are we are committed to bringing world-class productions to WMC, but also world-class visual arts exhibitions and events. We are delighted to be working with the V&A Theatre Collection exhibition and look forward to welcoming Reg Wilson to the Centre on the Thursday 10 January.” Entry to the exhibition, located on the first and second balconies at Wales Millennium Centre, is free and all press and media are invited to attend the official opening at 6pm on Thursday 10 January, where Reg Wilson will be present. Reg Wilson’s career began in the 1950s and his close relationships with iconic figures such as Nureyev, gave him privileged access backstage and to rehearsals resulting in exclusive images of stars. His work includes some of the earliest stage photography and colour productions and is an important record of the development of photography as a form of art. Capturing the Moment will tour to Worcester from 23 February – 5 April and is anticipated to tour to Portsmouth, Manchester, Glasgow and Newcastle. The exhibition has been divided into four categories: The Photographer; Opera and Music; Ballet and Dance; Theatre and Musicals. “If I have learnt anything, it is that life forms no logical patterns. It is haphazard and full of beauties which I try to catch as they fly by, for who knows whether any of them will ever return?” Reg Wilson About Reg Wilson Born in London in 1937, Reg Wilson grew up as a teenager in the 1950s. On leaving school he trained in photography at Regent Street Polytechnic. After National Service he landed the job of assistant to leading theatre photographer Houston Rogers. Going freelance as a theatre photographer in the early 1960s, Reg rose to the top of his profession, renowned both for his brilliant camera technique and his printing skills in the darkroom. He photographed over 2,600 mainstream productions of drama, opera, dance and music in the UK as well as a host of stars ranging from Maria Callas and Laurence Olivier to Margot Fonteyn, Rudolf Nureyev, Dame Edna and The Beatles. Widely reproduced in books, magazines, record sleeves, dust jackets and posters, many of Reg's images are classics. One of his most celebrated photographs is of Princess Diana and Wayne Sleep dancing on stage at Covent Garden. Reg Wilson was constantly in demand capturing live performance for four exciting decades before retiring in 1999. To mark his 70th birthday, the Museum has collaborated with Reg Wilson on this touring exhibition of photographs he has chosen from his archive. |
| Wales Millennium Centre web site: www.wmc.org.uk |
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Tuesday, December 18, 2007 |
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