Lost Rolling Stones photos to go on display in London

More than 25 previously lost and unseen photos of the Rolling Stones by one of their photographers and his assistants are to go on display in London.

The Elegantly Wasted exhibition features photos taken by Tony Sanchez, affectionately called Spanish Tony by guitarist Keith Richards.

The photos were previously thought to be lost but were rediscovered decades later in a loft in south London.

Host Oliver Bayliss said fans and collectors were "in for a real treat".

The exhibition organisers said the 27 limited edition prints, which are for sale, demonstrated the "unprecedented access" Mr Sanchez had with the band and were "one of the most important photographic records of The Rolling Stones to come to the market in years".

The collection showcases the rock legends at their "decadent peak", including at parties, posing for album cover shoots and during live performances, including their Hyde Park concert, they added.

Mr Sanchez worked and lived with the band during some of their most popular years, from Beggars Banquet in 1968 through to their infamous exile in the south of France in 1971 during their tax affair troubles.

Spanish Tony passed away in 2000 and was described by Keith Richards in his autobiography, Life, as "a hard man". "Biff bang! One of those," Richards said.

"He ran a gambling casino for Spanish waiters, after hours… with a Mark 10 Jaguar, two-tone, all done up pimp-style."

Oliver Bayliss from Bayliss Rare Books is hosting the exhibition, which is taking place at J/M Gallery near Portobello Road, in Notting Hill, north London.

"I spent months trawling through Tony's archive - thousands of negatives and contact sheets - and am blown away by Tony's unique eye and the quality of these images," he said.

"Fans and collectors alike are in for a real treat."

The event is being co-hosted by Spanish Tony Media, formed by Mr Sanchez's grandsons.

Matt Dominguez, director of Spanish Tony Media said: "This is a rare opportunity to see unique and unseen images of the band."

Entry to the exhibition is free but ticketed. It runs from 29 February to 5 March, with a private viewing event on 28 February.

All images subject to copyright.

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