Marlow resident, photo-journalist Joe Bangay, spent a lifetime behind a camera. His unique behind the scenes access provided a rare glimpse back at many of the names and faces that defined a generation.

After being turned down as an aspiring footballer by Arsenal, Joe joined the Royal Air Force eventually rising to a position in intelligence where a camera was a vital part of his kit. He was on active service in Borneo when he helped the Daily Express team out of trouble and in gratitude they offered him a job as a freelance photographer when he left the service in 1968.

With his new Fleet Street credentials Joe plunged headlong into the hedonistic arts scene of the 1960’s swinging London. Immediately he began photographing and befriending some the world’s most famous and flamboyant faces in music, theatre, film, politics and sport.

Joe’s work was varied. In total he covered 912 football matches while simultaneously working as the house photographer on many of the big UK-based film shoots of the period. Then on his 50th birthday, Joe switched to rock and roll.

From capturing rising stars like Wham, U2, Eurythmics and Madonna in her very first UK photo shoot, to rare unguarded moments with the already established rock royalty, Joe met and shot them all.

As Joe’s fame grew he was invited further into the glitterati's inner circle, gaining even greater access to the famous names of a generation. From The Royals to The Beatles, to Maggie Thatcher making tea in her kitchen....Joe was there.

Joe worked almost all his life, unable to retire from a job he loved passionately. It was a life lived to the full and shared with the world through the lens of his camera.