In 1978, at the height of their respective artistic careers, the esteemed photographer Robert Mapplethorpe (1946-1989) captured the rock star Debbie Harry. The resulting image showcases why the sitter garnered the nickname ‘Blondie’ with her bi-coloured hairstyle adding a multitude of monochromatic tones to the work. On the photoshoot, which took place on a summer day in Mapplethorpe’s Bond Street loft, Harry has recounted:
I remember that it was very quite warm and very sunny, very bright. You can see I’m really squinting. I was having a hard time keeping my eyes open. I was thrilled to be photographed by Mapplethorpe. I knew his work and his reputation. I had a lot of confidence in how the photos would turn out.
Offered here is a rare print, signed by both Mapplethorpe and Harry, which stands as testament to the pair’s creative collaboration.