Allan Ballard
began his photographic career at the London Evening Standard
where he assisted the picture editor. Allan then assisted
eminent fashion photographer John Cowan, together they travelled
extensively on fashion assignments from the North Pole to
the Persian Gulf
Allan then
spent six months in New York working for American Vogue.
On his return Allan set up his studio in Primrose Hill,
London and began contributing regularly to the Sunday Times
and later to the supplement.
On one of
his diverse assignments Allan took photographs on the set
of the film The Naked Runner, which led to almost exclusive
access to Frank Sinatra and Mia Farrow at the time of their
marriage. His pictures were syndicated around the world
and secured Allan's name as a leading photographer. At 24
Allan had become one of the most successful photographers
in London.
Allan's celebrity
led to further film commissions working with Ken Russell,
Dick Lester, Michael Winner and Fredrico Fellini, notable
and award-winning assignments and lasting friendships with
rock stars, prime ministers, film stars and super models,
including his now classic collaborations with the Kinks,
Sting, Twiggy, Eric Clapton, Bob Marley, Spike Milligan
and Oliver Reed .
In a remarkable
and diverse career this unassuming, yet uncompromising photographer
has secured his place in history as one of the leading lights
in his field, recording and creating iconic imagery with
the personalities and main players at the forefront of popular
culture.
