The Town Hall Hotel in Bethnal Green proudly announces a landmark exhibition showcasing the works of renowned British photographer Michael Spencer Jones. This event commemorates the 30th anniversary of Oasis’ groundbreaking album Definitely Maybe, coinciding with the band’s recent reunion announcement, marking a significant moment in music history.
This exhibition features a carefully curated selection of Spencer Jones’ photography, including the iconic cover image for Definitely Maybe alongside previously unseen images of the band. As a patron of contemporary arts, Town Hall Hotel is excited to provide a platform for this remarkable collection, which not only reflects the essence of Oasis but also the vibrant spirit of the 1990s music scene.
About Michael Spencer Jones
Born in Sheffield, Michael Spencer Jones honed his artistic vision at Bournemouth & Poole College of Art during the mid-1980s. His rise to prominence came during the explosive rock renaissance of the 1990s in Britain, where his work played a vital role in defining the era’s cultural landscape.
Spencer Jones began his freelance career in 1990 at a pivotal moment when the Manchester music scene was producing genre-defining bands. His first significant assignment was to document The Stone Roses’ iconic Spike Island concert, a gathering of 30,000 fans that would later inspire the Gallagher brothers to form Oasis. This seminal event not only set the stage for his future endeavours but also solidified his role as a key visual chronicler of this transformative period in music.
The photographer’s collaboration with Oasis began in 1993, leading to a fruitful partnership that spanned several years. Spencer Jones was instrumental in creating the covers for the band’s first three albums and twelve singles, capturing the essence of their music and the cultural zeitgeist of the time.
Exhibition Details
The exhibition will open to the public on 25th October 2024 and will run for three months, offering art enthusiasts and music fans alike the chance to immerse themselves in this captivating collection. In addition to the exhibition, the Town Hall Hotel will host a live Q&A session featuring Michael Spencer Jones and acclaimed music journalist John Robb at the end of November, providing a unique opportunity for deeper engagement with the artist’s work.
Further enhancing this celebration of Oasis, the exhibition coincides with the release of Spencer Jones’ latest project: a meticulously crafted 200-page book titled Definitely Maybe: A View from Within – Photographs by Michael Spencer Jones. This publication, featuring extraordinary photographs taken during his time with the band, will be available for purchase from 21st November 2024 on Amazon.co.uk and Spellbound Galleries.
About Town Hall Hotel
Nestled in the heart of London’s dynamic East End, the Town Hall Hotel is an award-winning establishment renowned for its architectural Art Deco splendour and innovative design. This historic venue, which has served as the backdrop for numerous iconic film productions—from Guy Ritchie’s Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels to Atonement and Poirot—provides an ideal setting for this retrospective exhibition. Housed within the former Bethnal Green Town Hall, a Grade-II listed building, the hotel underwent restoration and expansion, culminating in its reopening in November 2010, featuring a contemporary top floor and wing.
The Town Hall Hotel invites visitors to explore this celebration of music history through the lens of one of its most significant photographers, offering a unique experience for both fans of Oasis and lovers of contemporary art.