Past Unlocked, New York, NY (2025)

07/20/2025

Matthew Brookes, a British-born photographer raised in South Africa, has carved out a distinctive place in the world of contemporary photography. Known for his sophisticated use of black-and-white imagery and his ability to draw raw, timeless emotion from his subjects, Brookes's aesthetic is a seamless blend of classic European portraiture and modern minimalism. His work often explores themes of masculinity, vulnerability, identity, and beauty without artifice, capturing spontaneous yet highly composed moments that feel both cinematic and intimate.

One of his most celebrated projects, "Les Danseurs," is a black-and-white photo essay documenting the male dancers of the Paris Opera Ballet. Shot with elegance and precision, it offered rare glimpses into the strength and grace of these artists beyond the stage, revealing moments of exhaustion, reflection, and camaraderie. This collection helped elevate Brookes’s reputation as not just a fashion or editorial photographer, but as a storyteller through light and shadow.

Brookes’s fashion portfolio spans collaborations with top publications like *Vogue*, *The New York Times*, *L'Uomo Vogue*, and *Interview*, as well as global campaigns for brands such as Dior, Burberry, and Ralph Lauren. Despite his involvement in the commercial world, his portraits maintain a sincerity that resists the polished veneer often found in fashion photography.

He often uses natural light and shoots on film, which adds to the authenticity of his compositions. Whether photographing emerging models, celebrities, or dancers, Brookes maintains a signature softness and poetic stillness that transforms each image into a study of humanity.

In an era dominated by instant digital perfection, Matthew Brookes stands out for his patience, introspection, and commitment to classical photographic technique, making him one of the most respected portrait artists working today.

07/20/2025

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Tony Danza quickly became a household name in American television, renowned not only for his athletic charm and natural charisma but also for his transition from the boxing ring to the sitcom stage. Born on April 21, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York, Danza was raised in a working-class Italian-American family that instilled in him both discipline and a relentless work ethic. Before stardom, he pursued a career as a professional boxer, compiling a respectable record in the ring. However, fate intervened when a talent scout spotted him at a boxing gym, leading to an audition that would change his life.

Danza’s big break came with the hit television series “Taxi,” which premiered in 1978. Cast as the lovable, slightly dimwitted boxer Tony Banta, he quickly endeared himself to audiences with his comedic timing and street-smart charm. “Taxi” was more than a sitcom—it was a cultural phenomenon that tackled real-world issues with wit and heart. Danza stood out in a cast full of talent, earning admiration from critics and fans alike.

By 1984, he reached even greater heights with the role of Tony Micelli in the beloved family sitcom “Who’s the Boss?” The series flipped traditional gender roles by casting Danza as a housekeeper and single father working for a successful female executive. It resonated with a changing American society and ran for eight seasons, further solidifying his place in pop culture.

Beyond acting, Danza’s talents have spanned Broadway, music, and teaching. He remains a beloved figure whose career is marked by sincerity and versatility. From blue-collar roots to enduring fame, Tony Danza’s journey is a uniquely American story of reinvention and charm that continues to captivate generations.

07/20/2025

In 1964, Romy Schneider was photographed at the elegant Savoy Hotel in London—a snapshot that captures her at the intersection of cinematic brilliance and timeless beauty. By this point in her career, Romy was already an international star, having transcended the early fame of her “Sissi” trilogy to pursue more complex and emotionally resonant roles in European cinema. Her presence at the Savoy, dressed in refined style and surrounded by the classic opulence of the historic hotel, was emblematic of her growing sophistication both on and off screen.

Born in Vienna in 1938 and raised in Germany, Romy’s early years in the public eye were shaped by the carefully curated image of a fairytale princess. But as the 1960s progressed, she made deliberate moves to shed that persona. Her move to France, both personally and professionally, marked a reinvention. She began working with auteurs such as Luchino Visconti, Orson Welles, and later Claude Sautet—filmmakers who recognized her emotional depth and cast her in roles that explored sorrow, passion, and vulnerability with rare authenticity.

The Savoy photo is more than a portrait of a beautiful actress—it represents a turning point. Romy’s gaze, poised and distant, hints at the maturity she was embracing in her artistry. This period was also a prelude to her legendary performances in French classics such as “La Piscine” (1969) and “Les Choses de la Vie” (1970). Her life, though often tumultuous, infused her work with a sincerity that audiences deeply connected to.

Romy Schneider remains an icon not just for her physical beauty but for her enduring emotional honesty, which continues to resonate decades later. This moment in 1964 was simply one of many that would etch her legacy into the history of European cinema

07/20/2025

In 1988, Salt-N-Pepa stood at the forefront of a cultural revolution—musically, stylistically, and socially. Photographed in Bayside, Queens, the dynamic hip-hop trio of Cheryl "Salt" James, Sandra "Pepa" Denton, and DJ Spinderella radiated the bold energy of late-’80s New York. At a time when hip-hop was still fighting for mainstream recognition, especially for women in the genre, Salt-N-Pepa emerged as pioneers who refused to be sidelined by industry norms.

Their breakout success was already evident by this point, thanks to tracks like “Push It,” which had stormed radio stations and dance floors with its infectious beat and defiant swagger. But Salt-N-Pepa’s rise wasn’t just about catchy hooks—it was about redefining visibility for Black women in hip-hop. With their unapologetic lyrics and signature style—door-knocker earrings, color-blocked jackets, and asymmetric hairstyles—they challenged gender expectations and spoke to a generation of young women who saw themselves in their fierce confidence.

The photo from Queens captures more than a moment—it reflects an era when music, identity, and fashion were all colliding in expressive, revolutionary ways. Salt-N-Pepa weren’t just artists; they were icons of empowerment, speaking openly about s*x, independence, and self-worth at a time when those subjects were still taboo for female performers. Their presence on the streets of Bayside symbolized their roots and their reach—proudly local, yet undeniably global.

Over the decades, their impact has only grown. Salt-N-Pepa paved the way for future generations of women in hip-hop, and their legacy lives on in the music, fashion, and cultural attitude they helped define. In 1988, they weren’t just making hits—they were making history

07/20/2025

In the final summer of the 1980s, River Phoenix—one of Hollywood’s most beloved young actors—faced a personal turning point that quietly foreshadowed the turbulence ahead. His relationship with actress Martha Plimpton, which had spanned four formative years, came to an end. Theirs was not a superficial romance born from red carpets or press circuits; it was deeply emotional, rooted in mutual admiration and creative kinship. But, as Plimpton later reflected, love alone could not conquer Phoenix’s internal battles.

Plimpton, already wise beyond her years, made the painful decision to walk away. “Screaming, fighting, and begging wasn’t going to change him,” she would say, underscoring the emotional strain their bond had endured. Though Phoenix was charismatic, compassionate, and immensely talented, he carried within him a vulnerable restlessness. The breakup was more than just the dissolution of a relationship—it was a catalyst that triggered a deeper unraveling.

Friends and colleagues, including journalist Jim Dobson, noticed a shift. Phoenix, who had once relied on Plimpton’s grounding presence, seemed lost without her. Her departure removed a stabilizing force from his life, one that had shielded him from some of the more dangerous corners of fame. As his career continued to ascend, so too did the pressures and the temptations that came with it.

By the early 1990s, River Phoenix remained a luminous figure, starring in critically acclaimed films and earning widespread admiration for his sensitivity and depth. Yet behind the roles and accolades, a sense of fragility lingered. His story, both brilliant and heartbreaking, serves as a reminder of the emotional weight that often shadows genius. In remembering River, the focus rests not just on his tragic end, but on the immense light he brought into the world during his brief ti

07/20/2025

Garry Winogrand, one of the most influential figures in 20th-century street photography, reshaped the way we see urban life through the lens. His 1980 publication, *Stock Photographs: The Fort Worth Fat Stock Show and Rodeo*, represented a shift from his more well-known New York City street work, yet maintained the same raw curiosity and spontaneity that defined his style. In this volume, Winogrand turned his camera to the American West, capturing the grit, spectacle, and layered humanity of Texas rodeos and livestock shows. It was a striking departure in subject matter, but consistent in method: he photographed chaos, intimacy, awkwardness, and beauty as it naturally unfolded before him.

What set Winogrand apart was not just his technical ability, but his deep instinct for timing. He captured fleeting expressions, unguarded moments, and juxtapositions that often eluded traditional portraiture. Winogrand’s images feel alive, pulsing with the rhythm of their environments—whether it was a Manhattan crosswalk, a Beverly Hills boulevard, or a dusty Fort Worth arena. In *Stock Photographs*, his perspective brought dignity and absurdity into the same frame, offering an anthropological yet artistic gaze at American identity.

By the time of his untimely death in 1984, Winogrand had left behind an astonishing archive: over 2,500 rolls of undeveloped film and thousands more unedited images. This posthumous volume of work continues to be explored and debated, with exhibitions and retrospectives seeking to piece together his final vision. As critic Sean O’Hagan noted, Winogrand didn’t just take pictures—he forged an attitude. His work remains a cornerstone of modern street photography, reminding us that the everyday is often more extraordinary than we imagine.

07/20/2025

On Sunday, May 7th, 1972, Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg were photographed at their Paris apartment—a moment now frozen in time that reflects both their magnetic relationship and the cultural pulse of early 1970s France. Captured by Peter Stephens for the Daily Mirror, the image remains a visual testament to the couple’s iconic presence, blending English charm and French artistic rebellion into a domestic scene that felt anything but ordinary.

Their apartment in the Left Bank of Paris was famously filled with books, records, ashtrays, antique furniture, and an air of nonchalance that characterized the intellectual bohemian lifestyle they both embodied. Jane Birkin, with her effortless beauty and disarming authenticity, leaned into a role that was neither traditional muse nor mere companion. She was Serge’s artistic equal, inspiring not only his lyrics but also challenging the conventional gender dynamics of the time. Their relationship, fueled by artistic exploration and emotional complexity, redefined what modern celebrity could look like.

Serge Gainsbourg, France’s provocative musical genius, was at the height of his cultural influence in 1972. From provocative chansons like “Je t’aime… moi non plus” to cinematic soundtracks and poetic lyrics, he balanced controversy and artistry with an unmistakable cool. At home, however, the photos revealed a more intimate portrait—a man relaxed, deeply connected to the woman beside him.

This moment—tucked away in a Paris apartment—is more than nostalgia. It encapsulates an era of creative freedom and emotional rawness, where music, fashion, and identity collided in deeply personal ways. Their romance was not perfect, but it was passionate, artistic, and timeless. Even now, more than 50 years later, their image lingers like a chanson in the Paris ai

07/20/2025

The wedding of Romy Schneider and Daniel Biasini on December 18, 1975, was more than a union—it was a graceful blend of tradition, sentiment, and personal symbolism. Held at the elegant Castle Hotel Gehrhus in Berlin’s Grunewald district, the ceremony was intimate, poetic, and deeply reflective of Romy's familial heritage. As snow dusted the Berlin rooftops, the couple stood beneath a canopy of greenery and floral arrangements inside the hotel’s winter garden, exchanging vows that echoed both their love and cultural unity.

Romy, the Austrian-born film icon, wore a flowing dress scattered with small floral prints and ruffles, reminiscent of 1970s bohemian elegance. Her wildflower crown, arranged by celebrated Parisian hairdresser Alexandre, paid homage to her mother, Magda Schneider, who wore a similar crown at her own wedding in 1937. Alexandre, not only Romy’s stylist but also Daniel’s best man, was a familiar figure in Romy's life, known for crafting the signature looks that complemented her timeless screen presence.

In a poignant gesture of love and respect, Romy answered her wedding vows with “Oui,” while Daniel responded with “Ja.” These exchanges, made in each other’s native languages, underscored their mutual devotion and multicultural bond. The symbolism extended to the rings: Romy gave Daniel a bloodstone heirloom ring that belonged to her father, engraved with “W\.A.” for Wolf Albach, and newly inscribed with “D+R.”

Their reception in Paris at L'Orangerie, Romy’s cherished restaurant on Île Saint-Louis, welcomed friends, family, and collaborators. Among the guests was her son David, beaming with joy at the celebration. That evening, laughter mingled with wine, and wishes for everlasting happiness filled the pages of Brialy’s guestbook—an elegant close to a heartfelt beginning.

07/20/2025

In the late 1970s, New York City was a canvas of creative energy, grit, and cultural experimentation. Between 1977 and 1980, Times Square was a far cry from today’s polished tourist hub. It pulsed with neon lights, independent diners, and a diversity of characters, from theatergoers to offbeat artists. Among the many enclaves of this era were small Greek restaurants, where souvlaki, gyros, and kabobs served as flavorful, affordable staples for locals and night owls alike.

One such moment was immortalized in a rare photograph taken by Kenneth Siegel—a candid snapshot capturing the original cast of "Saturday Night Live" grabbing a casual bite before fame would permanently change their lives. The photo features now-legendary performers like John Belushi, Gilda Radner, Dan Aykroyd, and Chevy Chase, though at the time, they were simply part of a groundbreaking comedy troupe just beginning to shape the American cultural landscape.

Launched in 1975, "SNL" was an audacious new format: a live sketch show blending satire, improvisation, and countercultural humor. The original cast, known as the “Not Ready for Prime Time Players,” quickly became household names. But in this photo, their celebrity is still a few steps ahead—what we see is raw energy, authenticity, and the camaraderie of artists before they became icons.

This moment at a Times Square eatery is more than just a nostalgic image—it’s a portal into a New York City defined by spontaneity and creativity. It reminds us that even legends had ordinary beginnings, made memorable by late-night meals, cheap souvlaki, and shared laughter in the heart of Manhatta

07/20/2025

Diana Rigg was a singular presence in the history of British theatre, film, and television—a performer whose elegance, intellect, and strength of character made her unforgettable across generations. Born on July 20, 1938, in Doncaster, England, she trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and began her stage career with the prestigious Royal Shakespeare Company. During her time with the company from 1959 to 1967, she earned critical acclaim for roles such as Cordelia in "King Lear" and Adriana in "The Comedy of Errors," marking her as one of the most gifted classical actresses of her generation.

Rigg’s ascent to global fame came in 1965 when she stepped into the iconic role of Emma Peel on the television series "The Avengers." With her quick wit, martial arts skills, and intelligence, Peel was a revelation on screen. Rigg brought a modern, feminist edge to the role at a time when female characters were often one-dimensional. Her performance helped redefine what it meant to be a female action hero on television, leaving a legacy that still resonates today.

Despite her popularity, Rigg challenged industry norms, particularly regarding pay inequality. Her demand for a raise in 1966—from £150 to £450 per week—was not only groundbreaking but courageous, occurring decades before such conversations became mainstream. Though met with resistance, her stance remains a pioneering moment in the history of gender equity in entertainment.

Rigg’s film career included a defining role as Tracy Bond in "On Her Majesty’s Secret Service" (1969), where she played the only woman James Bond ever married. Later in life, she captivated a new generation with her portrayal of the sharp-tongued Olenna Tyrell in HBO’s "Game of Thrones," earning renewed acclaim.

07/20/2025

Robert Doisneau, one of France’s most beloved photographers, captured the everyday charm and candid moments of Parisian life with unparalleled warmth and humor. On July 3, 1934, he photographed “Bain Berretrot” at Joinville-le-Pont, a suburb of Paris known for its riverside leisure spots and working-class community. This image exemplifies Doisneau’s talent for portraying ordinary people in their natural environments, revealing the beauty and humanity in everyday scenes.

During the 1930s, Joinville-le-Pont was a popular destination for Parisians seeking respite from the city’s hustle. The Seine River and its banks provided a place for swimming, picnicking, and socializing, especially in summer. Doisneau’s photograph captures this spirit of leisure and community, freezing a moment where people come together to enjoy simple pleasures. His composition highlights not only the joy of the bathers but also the social fabric of pre-war France, where outdoor gatherings fostered connection and relaxation.

Doisneau’s style was rooted in the humanist photography movement, emphasizing empathy and the dignity of everyday life. He resisted formal studio work in favor of street photography that told stories through genuine expressions and interactions. His images from the 1930s, including “Bain Berretrot,” celebrate the resilience and vibrancy of ordinary people during a time marked by economic hardship and political uncertainty.

This photograph stands as a timeless reminder of the universality of leisure and friendship. Doisneau’s work invites viewers to appreciate the fleeting moments of joy that define human experience, preserving them with artistry and affection. His legacy continues to inspire photographers and art lovers worldwide.

07/20/2025

Bill Cunningham, the legendary New York City street photographer, was already cultivating his keen eye for urban style and everyday moments by the early 1970s. His photograph "Waiting for the Village Voice to Read Apt Classifieds," taken on 7th Avenue near Christopher Street, captures a quintessential moment in downtown Manhattan’s vibrant cultural scene. The Village Voice, an influential alternative weekly newspaper, was a hub for avant-garde art, progressive politics, and offbeat classifieds that connected the city’s diverse communities.

In the early 1970s, the West Village and surrounding neighborhoods were magnets for artists, writers, and free spirits who shaped the city’s creative energy. Bill Cunningham’s work documented these streets with an unfiltered authenticity, chronicling how fashion and daily life intertwined. His photographs often captured people waiting, interacting, or simply existing within these urban spaces, turning ordinary scenes into compelling narratives.

Cunningham’s approach was unique because he focused not on celebrities or staged shoots but on the authentic style choices of everyday New Yorkers. His interest in the Village Voice classifieds reveals a slice of city life where personal ads, job listings, and creative announcements were a vital means of communication in a pre-internet era. These classifieds connected people looking for apartments, jobs, artistic collaborators, and community, reflecting the dynamic social fabric of the city.

This photograph also highlights the importance of place—the corner of 7th Avenue near Christopher Street was a bustling intersection of culture, identity, and change. Bill Cunningham’s work from this period serves as a historical record of New York’s evolving street fashion and social atmosphere, offering a window into the lives of individuals who contributed to the city’s enduring allure.

\

Past Unlocked

07/20/2025

07/20/2025

07/20/2025

07/20/2025

07/20/2025

07/20/2025

07/20/2025

07/20/2025

07/20/2025

07/20/2025

07/20/2025

07/20/2025

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share