Michael Cooper

Michael Cooper was a British born photographer who captured some of the most iconic photographs of The Rolling Stones in the mid-60s as well as other leading musicians including The Beatles, Eric Clapton and Marrianne Faithful.  He was a friend and associate of many writers, artists and musicians in the 60s and 70s including Andy Warhol, Peter Blake, William Burroughs and Jean Genet and more.

He especially developed a close friendship with the Stone's Keith Richards which opened up an opportunity to capture intimate images of the Stones in their natural environments, For periods, he and his son even spent a lot of time living with Keith and girlfriend, Anita Pallenberg.

Cooper's was one of the few people who had both a professional and personal relationship with the Beatles and the Stones at the same time.  He worked with Peter Cooper to create the 1967 LP Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles and later worked on the cover photograph for the Rolling Stones 1967 LP Their Satanic Majesties Request.

He was considered to be the best photographer in London at the time and there is speculation that suggests the film Blow-up was based around his life and not David Bailey’s.  He was the staff photographer for Vogue and his charm and humour meant he formed close bonds and friendships with people immediately.

Cooper collaborated with Terry Southern collaborated on the first film adaptation of the novel, A Clockwork Orange.  Cooper intended to direct the film, with Mick Jagger playing the character Alex and the other members of The Rolling Stones as Alex's gang of droogs. Unfortunately, the project was shelved after the screenplay was returned because Britain's Lord Chamberlain would not allow the film to be made because it dealt with "youthful incitement".

Cooper was deeply rooted in the art and music scene in London at the time so his involvement with drugs was almost inevitable.  After spending time with his girlfriend, Felicity Meredith-Owen, in her family home in order to kick his heroin habit, he had a period of a relatively straight and productive existence however in 1973 Michael committed suicide by taking some Mandrax (a sedative drug that was often used as a recreational drug, also known as Quaaludes) and topping it off with Scotch.

A book of Cooper's Stones photography, Blinds and Shutters, was published in a limited edition in 1989 by Genesis Publications. The photographs are accompanied by comments and recollections by friends and associates and offers a unique opportunity to experience the era through the eyes and minds of its key players.

Cooper's photographs also feature in the book Michael Cooper: You Are Here - The London Sixties, edited by Robin Muir and also in the book The Early Stones, also edited by Perry Richardson.

The Michael Cooper archive is presented in association with Raj Prem Fine Art Photography