Birmingham-based photographer Johnathan Williams will showcase the iconic images he’s captured of artists performing in front of massive audiences alongside intimate behind-the-scenes moments in his debut exhibition at Grosvenor Road Studios.
Johnathan Williams graduated from Birmingham City University in 2019. Since then, he has covered major awards ceremonies like the MOBO Awards, as well as photographing music icons at the likes of Wireless, Parklife, All Points East and Reading and Leeds festival. Over 20 photographs will be on display at Grosvenor Road Studios from Friday 24 May 2024.
The famous Birmingham music studios boasts one of the largest recording studios in the West Midlands as well as a workspace of seven offices, a centre for arts training and development, a hub for arts and community development, and a woodland garden for local children and their families. Johnathan said: "The past five years as a freelance photographer have been extraordinary.
“It's been a rollercoaster journey filled with so many achievements, challenges, and memorable moments, resulting in an extensive catalogue of photos I'm finally ready to exhibit. I genuinely can’t believe I’m saying this, but you can see my work at the iconic Grosvenor Road studios for six months from May!
“Whether it's intimate, discrete shots captured backstage at festivals or staged portraits at award ceremonies, these photos capture a significant moment in time.” Carol Pemberton MBE, Founder and Managing Director of Black Voices, said: “Grosvenor Road Studios is a creative, cultural and community hub and this free exhibition of live music photography by an incredible Birmingham talent offers another reason for local residents to step through our doors.
“We hope to inspire the young people entering our studios and highlight another one of the possible careers they could pursue in the music and creative industry.” Grosvenor Road Studios, formerly the renowned Hollick & Taylor Studios, has been operating as recording studios since the late 1940s and during that time many firsts have been recorded there including all the original sound effects for Gerry Anderson’s Thunderbirds and Stingray, the fabulous brass band rendition of Brighouse and Ratrick’s The Floral Dance and the first Brum Beat album, Jasper Carrott’s Funky Moped.
It was acquired by the all-female a cappella quintet Black Voices in 2001, who continue to bring their diverse skills and knowledge of the music industry and community development to the studios. Johnathan Williams debut exhibition is free to view and on display until October 2024.
