Avedon: Behind the Scenes 1964-1980

by Gideon Lewin

This monograph on the work of Gideon Lewin, master printer and assistant to Richard Avedon, revealsmoments never told, stories never heard, and a life that only a few ever experienced. It is a story of a close working relationship and collaboration with a master.

Behind the Scenes, 1964-1980 relates Lewin's personal experiences working with Richard Avedon for 16 years. It is about the hard work, the intrigues, the energy, the mysteries, the humor, and the commitment to creating images that were larger-than-life and will last for generations. This book illuminates many details about preparations for Avedon's major exhibitions, the master classes he was a part of, and many behind-the-scenes stories working on fashion collections in Paris and in New York for Harper's Bazaar and Vogue, photographing the world's most famous personalities and most beautiful Sophia Loren, Audrey Hepburn, Catherine Deneuve, Cher, Jean Shrimpton, Veruschka, Twiggy, Rene Russo, Patti Hansen, and Lauren Hutton. Finally, this book opens a window on the lighter side of Richard Avedon, as well as his total dedication to the art of photography in his determination to leave a legacy unlike that of any other photographer. With about 200 photographs Behind the Scenes, 1964-1980 is a singular and remarkable journey.

232 pages, Hardcover

Published November 26, 2019

Reviews

[R.J. Gilmour · Rating 2 out of 5]

A large coffee table book that capitalizes on the author's relationship to Avedon. While big in scale none of the photographs in the book are that interesting.