David Bailey's photographs of NW1, republished and exhibited for the first time

In 1982, distinguished photographer David Bailey published NW1 a photographic series of fading areas of London which David had inhabited for almost 30 years. As the iconic and recognisable buildings closed their doors, the photographer famed for his portraits, pointed his lens towards the decaying architectural beauty.

The collection of photos are ever more pertinent now that the majority of these independent businesses have since been replaced by high street chains. “These buildings were the first buildings that I knew and they had a gothic effect on me,” says David in the opening of the book. “I prefer buildings that have a certain history about them, and the people that lived in them, made love in them, gave birth and died in them. The facade of a building is like the person’s face, it tells its history.” David’s thoughtful perspective on the area is translated in these iconic, black and white archival photographs.

NW1 has since been long sold out, but has thankfully been republished and exhibited for the first time alongside an exhibition at HENI Gallery in Soho, London, running until 31 January. This is additionally a rare treat, being the first time the photographs have been shown in an exhibition format.