National Portrait Gallery purchases local photographers images

A LOCAL photographer, and Head of Photography and Graphic Design at Bexhill College, is to have a selection of his work displayed at the National Portrait Gallery.

James Eckersley said he is "delighted" that the National Portrait Gallery has purchased images taken from his collection of celebrity and character portraits.

James has had an illustrious career spanning eighteen years, which began when he was a young boy and he borrowed his dad's camera.

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James said: "I first caught the photography bug aged 12 when my dad lent me his old Pentax camera, showed me the basics, and away I went."

James began his photographic career as an assistant to a London based fashion photographer where he said he "learnt masses - especially the way to deal with subjects and clients."

After gaining a degree in photography James became a professional photographer specialising in portraiture and advertising. He has an impressive portfolio of clients, including Time Magazine (USA), The Telegraph, The Sunday Times Magazine, Virgin Records, Samsung and American Express.

However, producing portrait books is an area of work that James says he enjoys the most:

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"My first production took six years to complete but was the most satisfying project I have ever done."

The book, called The Last Few -Portraits of Aircrew from the Battle of Britain', includes a foreword written by HRH Prince Michael of Kent.

James tracked down the surviving pilots from this historical, epic aerial conflict, interviewed each one and took their portrait.

James said: "It was truly inspirational to meet these amazing men and to hear their stories. This is definitely the very best part of being a portrait photographer, for you meet so many different people from all walks of life."

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The book received a lot of media attention, and along with an eight page feature in The Sunday Times Magazine, James was invited to have tea at Kensington Palace followed with an interview on the Richard and Judy show.

In celebration of the 70th Anniversary of The Battle of Britain this year, an anniversary edition of The Last Few will be published in April and will include an original signed print.

Shortly after James completed this book he began work on his next two projects, 'First Sittings' , a collection of celebrity and character portraits from his career to date '“ set to hit bookshelves next month '“ and, 'The Stunt Book', due for completion next year.

James said this book, which depicts the worlds leading stuntmen and women, has been his "most fun project to date" with lots of new experiences:

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"How many people go to work and set fire to their subjects, photograph underwater at Pinewood Studios, jump off the roof of the James Bond Stage onto an air-bag, work with 'stunt horses' or hold the original Star Wars light saber? I really do have the best job in the world!"

James's work caught the eye of the NPG's Curator of Photographs who attended an exhibition James held in Covent Garden, and three of his portraits, of jazz musician George Melly, comedian Jack Docherty, and photographer Angus McBean, were subsequently purchased.

Since then the NPG have added three more portraits, of authors Ian Rankin and David Lodge, and Hastings girl, comedian Jo Brand - whom James originally shot for The Telegraph '“ to the collection.

James said: "I was delighted to have these images purchased by one of the most prestigious galleries in the world, but it is quite daunting to think they were selected as iconic images of these subjects, and they will represent that person for many years to come."

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The images will be displayed later this year in the National Portrait Gallery's 'Recent Acquisitions' gallery.

For further information visit the websites at: www.jameseckersley.co.uk or: www.npg.org.uk