Icons of the 20th Century, captured on film

From Sixties pin-ups, to revolutionary leaders, to British royals, More gets an exclusive private view of the stunning new Camera Press exhibition of portraits by legendary Camera Press agencies

On the afternoon of November 20, 1947, thousands had gathered outside Buckingham Palace, joyfully celebrating the marriage of the young Princess Elizabeth and her new Prince, and hoping for a glimpse of the newlyweds.

Meanwhile, inside the palace, society photographer Baron was having one of the most stressful moments of his life: he was allowed to take pictures, due to his friendship with Prince Philip, but he had only minutes to capture shots that would then be wired around the world. ‘I only had time to take four frames before they had to leave to wave to the crowds from the balcony.’

The photographs were the first commission for a new picture agency, Camera Press, set up by Jewish-Hungarian photographer Tom Blau, after he became a British citizen that year.

They were such a success that they led to an enduring relationship with the British royal family, with Camera Press going on to capture special portraits of Princess Diana, the Queen’s Jubilee and the christening of Prince George. And over the following decades, Camera Press showcased the work of Jacques Lowe, Sam Levin and Patrick Lichfield. Today, Camera Press is one of the world’s largest photographic agencies, and to celebrate its 70th anniversary, More presents a fascinating insight into the stories behind some of its most memorable pictures, from the Forties to the present day.