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.
Watch a film clip on the sitter in the Media section below
by J.S. Lewinski
bromide print, October 1968
NPG P1054
by Lord Snowdon
gelatin silver print, 21 December 1972
NPG P1899
by Maggi Hambling
oil on canvas, 1998
NPG 6439
George Melly, John Chilton and three band members
by Harry Diamond
gelatin silver print, 1970s
NPG x210063
George Melly, John Chilton and three band members
by Harry Diamond
gelatin silver print, 1970s
NPG x210065
by Harry Diamond
gelatin silver print, 1970s
NPG x210066
by Harry Diamond
gelatin silver print, 1970s
NPG x210067
by Harry Diamond
gelatin silver print, 1970s
NPG x210069
by Harry Diamond
gelatin silver print, 1970s
NPG x210070
by Harry Diamond
gelatin silver print, 18 December 1974
NPG x210068
Group including George Melly and Derek Taylor
by Harry Diamond
gelatin silver print, 18 December 1974
NPG x210142
Group including George Melly and Derek Taylor
by Harry Diamond
gelatin silver print, 18 December 1974
NPG x210143
Group including George Melly and Derek Taylor
by Harry Diamond
gelatin silver print, 18 December 1974
NPG x210144
by Jillian Edelstein
chromogenic print, 1989
NPG x132549
John Mortimer; Matthew Parris; George Melly
by Michael Woods
bromide print, 2005
NPG x199054
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