The Passport Photo Service: A London Studio's Unassuming Celebrity Archive
For decades, the Passport Photo Service in London was a humble yet iconic destination for celebrities and locals alike. Nestled on Oxford Street, this small studio, run by the Sharkey family, offered a unique service: quick, affordable passport photos. What made it truly special was the diverse range of famous faces it attracted, from global icons like Muhammad Ali and Madonna to rising stars like Kate Winslet. But beyond the celebrity glamour, the studio's story is a fascinating one, blending personal anecdotes, historical context, and a reflection on the changing landscape of London.
A Family Business with a Starry Clientele
The Sharkey family's business was more than just a photo booth; it was a gateway to the world for countless individuals. Founded by Dave Sharkey, a professional boxer-turned-photographer, the studio became a trusted name for passport, visa, and green card photos. Philip Sharkey, Dave's son, took over the reins, ensuring the family's legacy continued. Their proximity to embassies and willingness to make house calls made them a go-to choice for celebrities, who often needed their documents in a hurry.
The book, 'Passport Photo Service: An Unexpected Archive of Celebrity Portraits,' showcases over 300 celebrity portraits from the 1950s to the 2010s. It's a testament to the studio's enduring appeal and the changing nature of London's Oxford Street. As Philip Sharkey notes, the street's transformation has left little room for small businesses, making the studio's existence all the more remarkable.
A Snapshot of Candid Moments
What sets the Passport Photo Service apart is the candid nature of the portraits. Unlike traditional photo shoots, celebrities would often arrive without makeup artists or PR, providing a more natural and unfiltered view. Donald Sutherland, for instance, would breeze in, needing a passport renewal, and Kate Winslet, accompanied by a small crew for her role in 'Hideous Kinky,' offered a glimpse into the world of a rising star before her 'Titanic' fame.
The studio's wall of fame was a source of fascination for celebrities themselves. Angelina Jolie would point out colleagues she had worked with, and an unnamed actor's return after a portrait move led to an awkward explanation. Some stars, like Joan Collins, Sean Connery, Ava Gardner, and David Hockney, utilized the studio multiple times over the years, a testament to its reliability and quality.
House Calls and Memorable Encounters
The Sharkey family's house calls were equally memorable. They would visit Madonna and Guy Ritchie's home, capturing the couple just after putting their children to bed, and travel to recording studios to photograph Sting, George Michael, and Eric Clapton. These house calls added a layer of intimacy and adventure to the studio's work, making each session unique.
A Disappearing London and a Lasting Legacy
As Oxford Street undergoes development, the Passport Photo Service's story becomes a reflection of a disappearing London. The studio's closure, partly due to the US embassy's relocation, marks the end of an era. Yet, the book serves as a celebration of this iconic London business and a reminder of the diverse range of people it served. It also highlights the changing dynamics of the city, where small businesses struggle to thrive in the face of development and modernization.
In the end, the Passport Photo Service's legacy is not just about the celebrities it photographed but also about the personal stories and the changing face of London. It's a testament to the power of a small business and the enduring impact it can have on a community, even in the face of rapid change.
