Polly Samson's Two-Decade Photographic Chronicle of David Gilmour
Renowned author Polly Samson, celebrated for her five works of fiction, has simultaneously cultivated a profound photographic practice over the past twenty years. Her focus? Documenting the creative life of her husband, legendary Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour, both on tour and within the studio. This dual artistic pursuit culminates in her sixth publication, David Gilmour: Luck and Strange – Studio/Live, and her debut exhibition, Polly Samson – Between This Breath and Then, at the Leica Gallery London, running until 7 May 2026.
An Intimate Lens on Artistic Partnership
The photographic collection offers an exceptionally intimate perspective on the creative symbiosis between two longstanding artistic partners. Samson began documenting Gilmour during the production of his 2005 album On an Island, a collaboration that extends into songwriting. She served as the primary lyricist for Pink Floyd's The Division Bell (1994) and The Endless River (2014), as well as Gilmour's solo works including On an Island, Rattle That Lock, and the recent Luck and Strange.
Narrative Weight and Personal Stories
Samson's photographic framing is deeply informed by her literary background, imbuing her images with narrative gravity while maintaining an open, suggestive, and occasionally playful quality. A prime example is the photograph Muse and Magpie, West Sussex, 2016. "I wish I could say that the magpie here was a wild one," Samson explains. "In fact, she was rescued by my son Charlie and his wife Janina Pedan and lived with us, on and off, for a while. She is immortalised in Charlie’s memoir, Featherhood."
Capturing Atmosphere and Emotion
The work is characterised by a palpable emotional depth, sometimes veering into darker tones. A portrait titled Mirror, 2024, featuring Samson, Gilmour, and their dog reflected in a misty landscape, prioritises atmosphere over spectacle. "I am really uncomfortable on the other side of the lens," Samson admits, "but I do take the occasional selfie. I found this mirror and propped it among silver birches by the river. I waited for the rising mist but I eventually cheated with an out-of-shot fire of leaves and twigs."
The 'Ghost' in the Room: Documenting Performance
Samson describes the unique experience of photographing live performances, even within crowded arenas. "You need an outsider’s eye. Sometimes that can feel quite lonely in the way that writing alone in a room can feel," she reflects. This sentiment is captured in images like David Gilmour, Royal Albert Hall, London, 2024, where Gilmour is lit by a screen film. "David might turn around in my direction but not see me. It’s quite odd; it gives me the chills sometimes. It’s like being a ghost."
Collaborative Candles and Candid Moments
The creative process often involves spontaneous collaboration. For the 64 Candles Project in Hove, producer Charlie Andrew requested more atmosphere in the studio. Inspired by the film Barry Lyndon, Samson proposed candlelight. "It was a tense few days waiting for them to be developed," she recalls of using her film camera for the first time in a decade. The resulting image features their daughter, Romany, recording harp for the album.
Essence Over Vanity
A cornerstone of Samson's approach is capturing Gilmour's authentic essence rather than constructing a glamorous image. "Because David’s not vain, you can really go for his essence. That sounds so pretentious!" she laughs. "I’m not trying to make him look like the most handsome man in the world, so the fact that he’s not looking for that and doesn’t censor is really freeing." This trust allows for raw, powerful portraits that both artist and subject appreciate for their artistic merit.
Beyond the Frame: Lasting Legacies
The project has also documented the broader musical family. Photographs include backing vocalists from the Luck and Strange tour, who have since formed the band the Marshall Gilmour Webbs, and expressive performer Hattie Webb, whom Samson befriended during the pandemic. The book, published by Thames & Hudson, and the London exhibition offer a comprehensive, deeply personal visual memoir of two decades of music, partnership, and artistic observation.
