Clive Arrowsmith

Clive Arrowsmith (b. 1949) is one of Wales’ most celebrated photographers, acclaimed for his dynamic contributions to fashion photography, portraiture, and advertising. With a career spanning decades, Arrowsmith has photographed a wide array of cultural icons and luminaries, including Yves Saint Laurent, David Bowie, Yoko Ono, Damien Hirst, the Dalai Lama, and Sammy Davis Jr. Known for his refined eye, dramatic lighting, and narrative-rich compositions, Arrowsmith’s work has consistently placed him at the forefront of the fashion and entertainment industries.

Born in North Wales, Arrowsmith began his artistic journey studying at a local art school before continuing his education at Kingston College of Art. Initially working as a painter and graphic designer for a British television network, he discovered photography while designing for television, eventually transitioning into the medium full-time. His early photographic work caught the attention of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Esquire, and other international publications, earning him high-profile fashion editorial commissions and helping him develop a signature style marked by elegance, creativity, and cinematic flair.

In addition to his editorial work, Arrowsmith’s deep connection to music and performance led to a prolific career in album and promotional photography. He has created portraits for music legends such as Sir Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Wings, Jeff Beck, Art Garfunkel, Def Leppard, and others. His fusion of visual artistry and cultural insight extended to the prestigious Pirelli Calendar, where he made history as the only photographer to shoot the calendar in two consecutive years—a rare honor in the industry.

Arrowsmith’s commercial work is equally significant. He has led major advertising campaigns for clients including De Beers, Revlon, Lexus, G.H.D., Caroline Castigliano, and Hasselblad, while also directing award-winning television commercials for Heinz, Hamlet Cigars (Silver Lion, Cannes Film Festival), Revlon, and others. He has also ventured into music video direction for artists such as Def Leppard, Jamiroquai, and Jools Holland.

Passionate about global issues, Arrowsmith has participated in the Free Tibet campaign, collaborating with the Taiwanese heavy metal band Chthonic and photographing His Holiness the Dalai Lama multiple times. His images often combine visual power with a sense of humanitarian sensitivity.

In 2021, Arrowsmith released his first major monograph, Arrowsmith: Fashion, Beauty and Portraits (ACC Publishing), a sweeping retrospective of his decades-long career. Launched at the Fashion Museum in London, the book was praised as “nothing short of breathtaking” by The New York Journal of Books and offers readers an inside look at his iconic shoots and behind-the-scenes stories.

His work is held in several major collections, including Fotografiska in Stockholm, the National Portrait Gallery in London, and the Museum of Bath Architecture. Clive Arrowsmith continues to influence new generations of photographers with his passion, storytelling, and enduring vision.