For more than sixty years, a small, unassuming studio on Oxford Street in London served as a cherished destination for celebrities seeking quick passport photos. Known as Passport Photo Service, this family-run establishment specialized in producing matchbook-sized portraits in under ten minutes, eschewing luxury for efficiency.
Founded by Dave Sharkey, a former professional boxer turned photographer, and later managed by his son, Philip Sharkey, the studio became a go-to spot for both famous and everyday individuals needing passport, visa, and green card photos. The Sharkey family and their team captured images of approximately 800 celebrities, including notable figures such as Muhammad Ali, Madonna, Chaka Khan, Bill Murray, Stella McCartney, Katy Perry, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Tilda Swinton.
Closure and the Birth of a Book
After closing its doors in 2019, partly due to the relocation of the U.S. embassy and other factors, Philip Sharkey revisited a suggestion from friends and family to compile a book featuring the studio’s extensive archive. The result is „Passport Photo Service,“ published by Phaidon, which showcases over 300 celebrity portraits spanning from the 1950s to the 2010s.
Sharkey noted that while the celebrity clientele is a significant draw, the book also serves as a tribute to a rapidly changing London landscape. He remarked, „It’s a disappearing London. When you could open a little business up the stairs and have a little 500-square-foot office. It’s not like that on Oxford Street anymore, or even anywhere.“
Historical Context and Evolution
In its early days, Passport Photo Service was surrounded by a travel agency, a modeling agency, a finishing school for young women, and even a clairvoyant. The studio itself occupied the former workshop of renowned textile designer William Morris. In the last five years of operation, the studio relocated to the back of the building, which now houses a barber shop.
Initially, the studio was easily recognizable by its slogan, „Ready in 10 minutes,“ prominently displayed on the windows, along with sandwich board workers advertising the service. Philip Sharkey began working at the studio at the age of 16, with his mother serving as the receptionist and administrator, and his uncle joining his father as a photographer. The studio transitioned from using card negatives developed in a darkroom to a rapid Kodak Veribrom processor that produced black-and-white prints in just five minutes. By the 1990s, digital technology was incorporated, allowing customers to preview their photos, complemented by studio lighting to enhance the final image.
The Universal Appeal of Passport Photos
Sharkey refers to the passport photo as „the great equalizer,“ as it is a necessity for nearly everyone traveling internationally. While many of the actors and entertainers who visited the studio were typically photogenic, the passport photo offered a more candid and unfiltered glimpse of their personalities.
„Most of them didn’t come in with any makeup artists or PR, because they’ve just been to the embassy,“ Sharkey recalled, sharing a memory of actor Donald Sutherland, who rushed in without even removing his coat.
One notable exception was Kate Winslet, who visited in the late 1990s accompanied by a small crew while filming „Hideous Kinky.“ This portrait was taken just months before the release of „Titanic,“ which catapulted her to international fame.
Memorable Encounters and Celebrity Stories
Sharkey recounted how celebrities often enjoyed browsing the studio’s wall of fame. He remembered a quiet afternoon when Angelina Jolie visited and pointed out everyone she had worked with. In another instance, an unnamed actor returned shortly after Sharkey had moved her portrait, leading to an awkward moment of explanation. Some stars returned multiple times over the years, including Joan Collins in 1971, 1979, and 1988; Sean Connery in 1977 and 1989; Ava Gardner in 1976 and 1987; and artist David Hockney in 1965 and 1970.
Continued Legacy and Unseen Portraits
The studio’s house calls were also memorable, with visits to the homes of celebrities like Madonna and Guy Ritchie, as well as trips to recording studios to photograph Sting, George Michael, and Eric Clapton. Although the studio has since closed, Sharkey continues to provide portrait services as needed for their clientele.
Not all celebrity portraits made it into „Passport Photo Service,“ with some remaining in the studio’s vault. Sharkey mentioned that they only had to sign non-disclosure agreements a few times during their operations, ensuring that certain identities remain confidential. He humorously noted, „One of them is such a pain in the butt that I wouldn’t have put them in anyway.“
Bildquelle: Bildquelle: Julia Taubitz auf Unsplash
