In the age of Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat, it can sometimes be hard to remember a time when social events weren’t all documented in real time for the world to see.
But cast your mind back to the early 2000s, and you’ll find it was a prime time for stars to let their hair down and party.
With tabloids being the closest thing celebrities had to social media, they were able to be reckless, loud and fully present.
Celebrity photographer Alan Chapman has been capturing these stars for over thirty years.
In his new exhibition, Alan Chapman: Unfiltered, he shares rare, intimate portraits of cultural icons before the age of social media, PR control and digital filters.
The striking black-and-white portraits are of some of the most influential figures in music, film, fashion and art – and give an insight into the unfiltered era.
In the age of Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat, it can sometimes be hard to remember a time when social events weren’t all documented in real time for the world to see (pictured Robbie Williams)
But cast your mind back to the early 2000s, and you’ll find it was a prime time for stars to let their hair down and party (pictured Kate Moss)
The snaps show the likes Kate Moss and Robbie Williams, who were notoriously known for their party days.
Kate was subject to a lot of media scrutiny during the early 2000s and was branded ‘Cocaine Kate’, also dating singer Pete Doherty at the time, who has been open about his own heroin addiction.
Meanwhile, the former Take That singer was known for his raucous ways following his departure from the boy band – often indulging in copious amounts of both alcohol and drugs.
Other shots show Amy Winehouse, Mick Jagger, Madonna, Jack Nicholson, Sophia Loren, Courtney Love and Liam Gallagher.
Alan has managed to capture moments of charisma, vulnerability, defiance and joy that unfold naturally.
With many of the subjects no longer with us, the photos carry a profound sense of cultural memory.
Curator Lee Sharrock said: ‘Alan Chapman has a rare ability to distil rock ‘n’ roll spirit and personality into a single frame through his lens.
‘His iconic images of celebrities from the worlds of music, film and fashion offer a powerful counterpoint to today’s hyper-edited, algorithm-driven imagery.
The striking black-and-white portraits are of some of the most influential figures in music, film, fashion and art – and give an insight into the unfiltered era (pictured: Madonna)
Celebrity photographer Alan Chapman has been capturing these stars for over thirty years (pictured Courtney Love)
He’s managed to capture moments of charisma, vulnerability, defiance and joy unfold naturally (pictured Mick Jagger)
With many of the subjects no longer with us, the photos carry a profound sense of cultural memory (pictured Amy Winehouse )
‘Celebrity Unfiltered reminds viewers of a time when fame was raw, fleeting and thrillingly real,’ said curator Lee Sharrock (pictured Jack Nicholson)
‘Celebrity Unfiltered reminds viewers of a time when fame was raw, fleeting and thrillingly real.’
The exhibition runs from March 4 to March 8, 2026, at Cramer Street Gallery in London.
There is also a book signing at the gallery on Sunday, March 8, between 12pm and 4pm.
Alan’s book FRAME is the culmination of 30 years of photographing the rich and famous at venues in London and Los Angeles.
The book features many of his favourite images and is available during the exhibition for £45.