David Bowie photographs by Mick Rock capture starman

May 16, 2025May 16, 2025 admin David Bowie, Ewbank's, Mick Rock, photography

Rare photographs of David Bowie captured by the late photographer Mick Rock look set to add some star quality to an upcoming sale in Surrey this month.

David Bowie and musician Mick Ronson eating a meal on a train photographed by Mick Rock — David Bowie and musician Mick Ronson photographed by Mick Rock. Image courtesy Ewbanks

The complete archival box set of twenty-one signed photographs by Rock (1944-2021) come to auction at Ewbank’s on May 22 with an estimate of £30,000-50,000.

David Bowie looking out of a window photographed by Mick Rock — David Bowie photographed by Mick Rock. Image courtesy Ewbanks

Each 41 x 51cm print is numbered 4/9 HC and printed on Canson Platine Fibre Rag paper. Together they are encased in an archival box within the Off Beat Lounge flight case, each photograph portraying an image of David Bowie, some as his Ziggy Stardust persona, on stage or backstage.

David Bowie performing, photographed by Mick Rock. Image courtesy Ewbanks

Other musicians featured with Bowie include Mick Jagger, Iggy Pop and Lou Reed. A letter signed by Mick Rock accompanies the lot.

A photograph of David Bowie smoking a cigarette by Mick Rock — Mick Rock’s image of David Bowie is signed by the photographer. Image courtesy Ewbanks

Rock produced the exclusive limited edition box set in honour of David Bowie after the latter died in January 2016. Originally planned as a small edition of 9, only 6 were produced before Mick Rock himself passed away.

A flight case containing photographs of David Bowie taken by Mick Rock — The flight case containing photographs of David Bowie taken by Mick Rock. Image courtesy Ewbanks

The personal signed letter from Mick to each buyer of the 6 sets, includes details of the working relationship between the photographer and Bowie. Mick wrote: “This was a seminal time in both my life and David’s. It made him a superstar and it provided the reputation for me to have a significant career. He was an inspiration to both observe and communicate with. What an amazing artist he was and remains in the beautiful and innovative works he has left behind… He left an indelible mark on my imagination, my psyche and my heart.”

An auctioneer holds up one of Mick Rock's photographs of David Bowie — An auctioneer holds up one of Mick Rock’s photographs of David Bowie from the sale. Image courtesy Ewbanks

Rock also explained how he selected the 21 photographs for the collection. “I decided that releasing 21 prints in an edition of just nine…, would be an exciting departure. It also legitimately added a small number to my David Bowie editions, many of which are now mostly sold out.”