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George Melly

(1926-2007), Jazz singer, critic, writer and lecturer

(Alan) George Heywood Melly

Sitter in 18 portraits
Melly sang with Mick Mulligan's Magnolia Jazz Band 1946-61, and with John Chilton's Feetwarmers from 1974. His early experiences in the Royal Navy and as an assistant at the London Gallery are recalled in Rum, Bum, and Concertina (1977) and Don't Tell Sybill (1997). With Wally Fawkes (Trog) he wrote the Strip cartoon Flook (1956-71). From 1965-74 he was the Observer's 'unconstrained' critic for pop music, film and television, and lectured widely on art. Melly became a familiar media figure with his flamboyant dress sense, in the 1970s he adopted his trademark 1930s suit and fedora. His books include Owning Up (1964), and works on surrealism and primitive art.

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George Melly, by Lewis Morley - NPG P512(15)

George Melly

by Lewis Morley
bromide print, 1956
NPG P512(15)

George Melly, by Lord Snowdon - NPG P797(33)

George Melly

by Lord Snowdon
bromide print, 9 June 1964
NPG P797(33)

George Melly, by J.S. Lewinski - NPG P1054

George Melly

by J.S. Lewinski
bromide print, October 1968
NPG P1054

George Melly, by Lord Snowdon - NPG P1899

George Melly

by Lord Snowdon
gelatin silver print, 21 December 1972
NPG P1899

George Melly, by Harry Diamond - NPG x210066

George Melly

by Harry Diamond
gelatin silver print, 1970s
NPG x210066

George Melly, by Harry Diamond - NPG x210067

George Melly

by Harry Diamond
gelatin silver print, 1970s
NPG x210067

George Melly, by Harry Diamond - NPG x210069

George Melly

by Harry Diamond
gelatin silver print, 1970s
NPG x210069

George Melly, by Harry Diamond - NPG x210070

George Melly

by Harry Diamond
gelatin silver print, 1970s
NPG x210070

George Melly, by Harry Diamond - NPG x210068

George Melly

by Harry Diamond
gelatin silver print, 18 December 1974
NPG x210068

Ronnie Scott; George Melly, by Jillian Edelstein - NPG x132549

Ronnie Scott; George Melly

by Jillian Edelstein
chromogenic print, 1989
NPG x132549

George Melly, by James Eckersley - NPG x47153

George Melly

by James Eckersley
bromide print, 1992
NPG x47153

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