14th September 2009, London: On Thursday 15th October, during it’s ‘Birth of British Rock’ photographic exhibition,  the British Music Experience, Britain’s interactive museum of popular music, will host a unique evening with three of the nation’s leading music photographers.

Jill Furmanovsky, Mark Mawston and Philip Townsend will be presenting their amazing images, techniques and photography tips, as well as all the backstage stories on the journey that led them to be at the forefront of British music photography. They will also be sharing their wealth of photographic knowledge and taking questions from the audience.

Jill Furmanovsky’s very first shot was of Paul McCartney standing outside his house taken on her Kodak Instamatic was when she was just a school girl. Her 35 year career really began with the unpaid job of Official Photographer at London’s premier rock venue, The Rainbow Theatre in 1972. Over the decades Jill went on to photograph the biggest names in music, including: Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton, The Police, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Oasis, Duffy and Razorlight.

Mark Mawston’s love of music began when he ‘borrowed’ old 50’s and 60’s jukebox singles from his parents. He then found that photography enabled him to meet his musical hero’s. Mark has been the photographer to capture the artists who’s music has been the sound track of the lives of so many. His vast portfolio includes his shots with The Stones, Shane McGowan, The Sex Pistols, Pete Doherty and Amy Winehouse amongst many others.

Philip Townsend captured Britain as the sixties swung and the old order was being rapidly subverted. He recorded all the new aristocrats of pop and rock, spearheaded by The Beatles and the Rolling Stones, but also all the prime people of the time: Royals and ruffians, the debs and their beaux, louche lords and club owners, artists and creatives. Uniquely he also documented the trappings of all this new success, the cars they drove, the planes that flew them and the fashions they made famous. Philip will be signing copies of his photographic book ‘Sorry You Missed the 60’s’ at the event.

Paul Lilley, British Music Experience Curator, said: ‘The British Music Experience is proud to be hosting this unique event, where people get to not only hear the stories behind the iconic images they’re seeing, get tips from true experts, but also ask absolutely anything they like about the photography, musicians and the times when they were taken.’

The British Music Experience is a combination of cutting edge audio-visual technology and the most coveted music memorabilia of all time, culminating in the creation of one of Britain’s most compelling attractions. It enables visitors to trace musical trends through the decades, learn about music’s influence on art, fashion and politics and allow visitors to download music from the British Music Experience archive. For the genuine musical experience members of the public can visit the Gibson Interactive Studio, a fully integrated space within the exhibition where they can play various Gibson guitars, Baldwin pianos and Slingerland drums. There is also a full public and educational programme with workshops, lectures, master-classes and concerts.

Music Photography Masterclass with Jill Furmanovsky, Mark Mawston and Philip Townsend takes place at the British Music Experience at 7pm on Thursday 15th October. For tickets and more information please visit www.britishmusicexperience.com.

Halfway to Paradise: The Birth of British Rock exhibition runs at the British Music Experience from the 25th September until 27th November 2009. Exhibition organised by the V&A, London.