1950s Jazz in London and Paris

The Jazz scene that burgeoned in London and Paris in the 1950s reflected the mood of post-war celebration. American musicians travelled once more to Europe, and in the smoky clubs talented artists from both sides of the Atlantic showcased their music. This collection of evocative photographs chronicles the excitement and passion for the Jazz scene in 1950s London and Paris, captured by photographer Walter Hanlon.

Walter Hanlon began his career as a musician, playing guitar and broadcasting. He developed an interest in photography and in 1949 began pursuing this alternative career, using his musical connections to ensure he was at the forefront of the Jazz scene.
Having always disliked the type of photographs produced by camera mounted flash, he developed a technique of ‘off camera’ flash to create atmospheric pictures in the Jazz clubs, although he preferred to use available light on portraits.
These stunning photographs are the result and have been the subject of a number of art gallery exhibitions around the country. Including photographs of such well-known names as Louis Armstrong, Sarah Vaughan, Cab Calloway and Ella Fitzgerald, alongside great British talent such as Sir John Dankworth, Chris Barber, ‘Humph’ and Dame Cleo Laine, this collection provides an evocative reminder of those heady days.