(From left) Derek Jarman and John Maybury by David Gwinnutt, c.1982–83 © David Gwinnutt; Maggi Hambling by David Gwinnutt, 1984 © David Gwinnutt; Cerith Wyn Evans by David Gwinnutt, circa 1984 © David Gwinnutt

A new display of photographs, documenting the 1980s London art and club scene has opened at the National Portrait Gallery, London. The display features portraits of Leigh Bowery, Derek Jarman, and Gilbert & George, many of which have not been previously exhibited.

The display David Gwinnutt: Before We Were Men (until 24 September 2017) captures the generation of young creatives that emerged in London against a backdrop of financial recession and unemployment in the early 1980s. The photographs of male directors, writers, designers and artists who together formed a vibrant and influential underground gay culture. Gwinnutt documented this scene while still at art college, having moved to London from Derbyshire in 1979.

Sabina Jaskot-Gill, curator of David Gwinnutt: Before We Were Men, and Associate Curator of Photographs, National Portrait Gallery, London, says: ‘Using only his handheld camera and natural light, Gwinnett’s grainy black and white photographs feel unguarded and spontaneous, offering a glimpse into the private worlds of these rising stars who lived, worked and played together, a network of subversive collaborators. Gwinnutt’s photographs serve as a social document of a moment that had far-reaching effects on the cultural landscape.’

(From left) Gilbert & George by David Gwinnutt, c.1981–82 © David Gwinnutt; Sir Norman Rosenthal by David Gwinnutt, 1981-1982 © David Gwinnutt; Alison Owen by David Gwinnutt, circa 1984 © David Gwinnutt 

David Gwinnutt: Before We Were Men runs from 16 March to 24 September 2017 in Room 39 of the National Portrait Gallery, London. Admission is free.

There is also an event: In Conversation: Before we were men: David Gwinnutt and guests, on 23 March 2017 19:00. Tickets: £8 (£7 concessions and Gallery Supporters) All information from the NPG website.