Sir Don McCullin photography exhibition at Tate Liverpool

EVERY picture tells a story.

Photographer Sir Don McCullin would agree - his work speaks volumes and now Merseysiders can see his living legacy close up.

A new exhibition featuring 200 of his photos are on display at Tate Liverpool - some seen for the first time. It is a major coup and artistic achievement for the gallery at Liverpool's Albert Dock.

This touring display will resonate with the photographer's fans as there are 14 outstanding prints from his time spent in Liverpool – a city he came to respect in his long and varied career.

McCullin has famously captured images of war-ravaged conflict from around the world including Vietnam, Lebanon, Northern Ireland and Biafra.

Don McCullin Near Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin 1961 Tate Purchased 2012 © Don McCullin

This modest award-winning man worked under great personal risk culminating in unforgettable photographs which are shown alongside his work made in the North of England as well as his travel assignments and, in one room, an atmospheric collection of landscapes which allow you to catch your breath after you have seen the unique documentary-styled still images of a world in chaos.

Originally shown at Tate Britain in Spring of last year, the showcase focuses on the scope and achievements of his illustrious career.

Don McCullin Shell-shocked US Marine, The Battle of Hue 1968, printed 2013 ARTIST ROOMS Tate and National Galleries of Scotland. Presented by the artist 2014 © Don McCullin

It is not only a must for students of photography, but also for those familiar with his work via the internet, his books and newspaper magazine features - notably for The Sunday Times and Observer - but here you can see the stark, raw images in greater detail that will remain with you long after you have left the beautifully-curated exhibition

Don McCullin Early shift, West Hartlepool steelworks, County Durham 1963 © Don McCullin

McCullin began taking photographs in 1958 documenting his surroundings and local community in his native Finsbury Park in London.

A year later his photograph called The Guvnors - a portrait of a notorious local gang - was published, launching his reputation as a formidable photojournalist

In 1961 he visited Germany on his own initiative funding the trip himself to capture the building of the Berlin Wall. The pictures established his talent and went on to capture many conflicts around the globe from the Congo to Beirut.

The exhibition features some of his most iconic work: shell shocked marine; Starving Twenty Year old Mother with Child and Biafra - 1968

While he has been best known as a photojournalist and war correspondent he has also consistently engaged in documentary photography in Britain.

Don McCullin Protester, Cuban Missile Crisis, Whitehall, London 1962 © Don McCullin

For the presentation at the Tate there are photographs depicting the and industrial scenes of Liverpool and other Northern cities during the 60s and 70s.

His captions feature alongside many of the pictures giving an extra insight and dimension

And the exhibition features magazine spreads - one working with Merseypoets Adrian Henri And Brian Patten; contact sheets, a helmet and the Nikon camera that 'took a bullet' for him in Cambodia.

Don McCullin, based in Somerset, is a visual storyteller.

The camera never lied in his hands.

Don McCullin Bradford c.1970 © Don McCullin

While the world closed its eyes to war, turmoil and injustice ... he opened his own eyes and through his camera lens helped us all see the truth.

Globe rating: Five stars - unmissable.

Until May 9, 2021

Open Daily 10am to 18.00.

Tickets must be booked on- line in advance.

Face Coverings must be worn and social distancing adhered to.

Tate.org.uk/Liverpool . Tickets: £13 /£11 (concessions)

Phone: 0151 702 7400