Robin Muir

John Deakin (1912-1972), whose portraits are among the most significant (and amongst the most overlooked) in the history of twentieth-century photography, was a natural successor to August Sander and precursor of Diane Arbus - a true poete maudit. His clarity of vision had a merciless, often brutal directness and a psychological intensity, both fascinating and shocking in equal measure. Whether he was photographing writers, artists, fashion models, or Hollywood stars for British Vogue in the show more late 1940s and early 1950s (where he achieved notoriety for being fired twice) or whether portraying his artist and poet friends in London's bohemia, Soho, he made no concessions whatever to his subjects' vanity, scorning any need for admiration in his pursuit of truthful depiction. After several years of research, Robin Muir, former picture editor of British Vogue, has now brought together a comprehensive collection of Deakin's most important photographs. show less

Under the Influence: John Deakin, Photography and the Lure of Soho

If there is such a thing as raw genius then John Deakin had it, and then some. There is no photographer’s work and being itself that arouses me more than John Deakin’s. It is little matter to me if his sickness made of him a bad boy, a drunk and irresponsible hire, or an impossible-to-handle apostate. He was a gifted artist of the first rank.

Robin Muir has captured in his text a feeling for John Deakin that no others have show more before him. His biography was the most detailed yet of any I have previously read and it was certainly well-written. The amazing collection of photographs, handbills, and correspondence included in the book also attest to the truth behind any previously made innuendo. Rarely these days do new art books employ the use of weighty fine paper and quality cloth hardboards. The publisher obviously spared no expense in the creation of this book. This is a volume to be treasured and displayed with gratitude for all who were involved in the production of this fine artifact. show less

Great book. Superb photographer. Please read more on Deakin here:
http://hubpages.com/hub/The-Personal-and-Merciless-Intensity-of-a-John-Deakin-Ph...

Great book. Superb photographer. Please read more on Deakin here:
http://hubpages.com/hub/The-Personal-and-Merciless-Intensity-of-a-John-Deakin-Ph...