14th September 2009, London: On Friday 25th September the British Music Experience will premiere a unique exhibition of photographs of Britain’s biggest musical icons, from the V&A’s collection.

‘Halfway to Paradise: The Birth of British Rock’, by Harry Hammond, will launch at Britain’s interactive museum of popular music at The O2.

In the period when Britain dominated rock and roll, one man was there to document it all, Harry Hammond. Hammond was Britain’s leading showbiz photographer, for almost two decades he captured the definitive images of every leading British musician, as well as visiting Americans. From The Beatles to Cliff Richard, Dusty Springfield to Lonnie Donegan, from Acker Bilk to Shirley Bassey, Hammond was there.

Drawing on the V&A’s invaluable archive ‘The Birth of British Rock’ tells the story of how Britain was at the centre of this cultural revolution and shows how Harry Hammond was the only one who was invited into the dressing rooms and studios of these emerging icons.

Paul Lilley, British Music Experience Curator, said: ‘The British Music Experience is proud to be hosting this V&A exhibition of images by a photographer who had unique access to the biggest stars of the time.’

Sir Cliff Richard, subject of many of the photographs in this exhibition, said ‘Paparazzi seem intent to present their subjects in the worst possible light. In the days of Harry Hammond, photographers only wanted to show the best of you. I guess that’s why it was always such a pleasure to have Harry Hammond.’

Photography Masterclass. During the exhibition as part of their Masterclass series, the British Music Experience is hosting a music photography Q&A with three leading music photographers, each with a unique style. Jill Furmanovsky, Philip Townsend and Mark Mawston will be sharing their decades of knowledge and backstage stories shooting Britain’s biggest rockers. The masterclass will take place on Thursday 15th October.

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.

Halfway to Paradise: The Birth of British Rock runs at the British Music Experience at The O2 from the 25th September until 27th November 2009. Exhibition organised by the V&A, London.

British Music Experience photography Masterclass will take place on Thursday 15th October.