‘Paul O’Grady (1955-2023) and Julian Clary as the Glitter Queens, with Harry Browse, Rae and Liam Elias as the Glitter Boys, London, 2022’ by Tim Walker HonFRPS
Nurses who worked during the HIV/AIDS crisis, pioneering gay activists, groundbreaking film-makers and photographers, fashion designers, actors and drag artists. All are part of a ‘Queeristocracy’ celebrated by Tim Walker HonFRPS in a dazzling exhibition of work six years in the making.
Tim Walker’s Fairyland: Love and Legends at the National Portrait Gallery, London, is a headspinning collection of 250 portraits celebrating more than 50 years of queer activism and community.
‘Maartje Convens and Marin Céleste, Camfield Place, Hertfordshire, 2022’ by Tim Walker HonFRPS
“The Fairyland exhibition is me finally placing myself in the queer realm with confidence and greeting all the other friends who live here,” says Walker, who made his name in the 1990s with playful work inspired by fairytales and Gothic adventures for international titles including Vogue, Vanity Fair and W.
“Just as I learned from the queer artists who came before me, some of whom I’m lucky enough to have met and photographed here, Fairyland is me saying you are not alone,” Walker adds. “I want visitors to the exhibition to remember that your difference is your power. It is a precious and beautiful thing.”
‘Ian McKellen, Love, London, 2023’ by Tim Walker HonFRPS
Fairyland is curated by Susanna Brown, who was behind the V&A exhibition Tim Walker: Wonderful Things (2019-2020).
“Six years in the making, Fairyland is the most significant project of Tim Walker’s career,” she says. “The exhibition showcases his unique approach to portrait photography and the fantastical staging he is famous for.
“Celebrating the achievements of over 200 queer sitters, the exhibition begins with stories of protest and activism, followed by love and joy, culminating in transformation and freedom.”
‘Sunil Gupta HonFRPS, London, 2023’ by Tim Walker HonFRPS
Some of the sitters are prolific members of the Queeristocracy including musicians Lady Gaga, Boy George and Chappell Roan, comedian Julian Clary and actor Ian McKellen – whose hands spell the word ‘love’. Others might be less familiar, including actor Olivette Cole-Wilson, cofounder of UK Black Pride Lady Phyll, photographer Sunil Gupta HonFRPS and healthcare professionals who were at the forefront of the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Each has their place in the last half-century of history, helping shape our world and how we see it.
‘Olivette Cole-Wilson and blackbird, London, 2025’ by Tim Walker HonFRPS
‘Ben Whishaw in crystal prism, London, 2020’ by Tim Walker HonFRPS
‘Francis Lee, ode to Edward Carpenter, London, 2023’ by Tim Walker HonFRPS
Tim Walker’s Fairyland: Love and Legends is at the National Portrait Gallery, London until 7 February 2027. An accompanying catalogue priced £35 includes an extended interview between Tim Walker HonFRPS and curator Susanna Brown.
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