Brian May
(1947-), Musician; guitarist for Queen and astrophysicistSir Brian Harold May
Sitter in 3 portraits
Best known as guitarist, singer and songwriter with the band Queen, May is also an astronomer. Having nearly completed his PhD in astrophysics in the early 1970s, he abandoned his academic career when Queen gained international success. More than 30 years later, May completed his PhD; his thesis on zodiacal dust was approved by Imperial College in 2007. May continues his interest in astronomy and, together with Stephen Hawking, he is on the board of directors of ‘Starmus’, an international festival focused on celebrating astronomy, space exploration, music and art. Besides his passion for music and astronomy, Brian May is also a collector of Victorian stereoscopic photographs.
Queen (Roger Taylor (Roger Meddows-Taylor); John Deacon; Brian May; Freddie Mercury)
by Mick Rock
chromogenic print, 1974
On display in Room 28 on Floor 2 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG P756
'Queen II' (John Deacon; Freddie Mercury; Brian May; Roger Taylor (Roger Meddows-Taylor))
by Michael David ('Mick') Rock, published by E.M.I. Records Limited
colour offset lithographic record sleeve, 1974
NPG D49524
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