Jill Furmanovsky Archive

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Jill Furmanovsky Archive

Music photographer since 1972
Contact for limited edition print sales. Editorial photog

29/06/2026

It would usually be the Monday Morning after Glasto Festival, when everyone’s making that painful journey home, overflowing with good times and memories…So to cheer you up, here’s a little quiz. Name all the artists in these photos! Bonus points if you also know the year. Put your answers in the comments…. Glastonbury Festival

22/06/2026

ANDY BURNHAM
Glastonbury Festival June 2022

Four years ago I photographed the Major of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, at Glastonbury Festival. He had been speaking in a debate in Billy Bragg’s Leftfield which I had missed. I arrived to find him talking to members of the audience who had lingered behind. The evening light was beautiful against the cobalt blue of the tent. I used a long lens and couldn’t hear what he was saying, but I liked his vibe. He really listened, or seemed to, and gave each person his undivided attention and time. May that bode well for any future plans he may have. Print enquiries - send a DM or email via the bio

Billy Bragg Andy Burnham HQ

18/06/2026

Blondie in the UK 1977

May 22, 1977: Glasgow, Apollo Theatre

I first set eyes on Debbie Harry and Chris Stein when Blondie toured the UK in spring 1977. They were part of the punk invasion from New York the year before, spearheaded by The Ramones, and soon to be joined by Johnny Thunders, Wayne County and Cherry Vanilla.

At the Glasgow Apollo, Blondie supported Television, whose seminal album, Marquee Moon was wowing music journalists. They may have been second on the bill, but Blondie were a hard act to follow. They mesmerised the Glasgow crowd.

Debbie Harry was of course sensationally beautiful, but she played against her exquisite looks by also being a bit scary. She appealed to men and woman alike, but you wouldn’t want to mess with her. She smiled like an angel but could snarl like Joe Strummer. Their music was pure pop, but it had an edge - Chris Stein was a literary punk and Clem Burke was the greatest drummer of the punk era.

I went on to photograph Chris and Debbie at Private Stock Records in London where they were doing press interviews for their first album ‘BLONDIE’.

The poster for the album can be seen behind Debbie. Looking at it now, it looks all wrong. Debbie didn’t need to be dressed up as a glitzy sex-doll in a see-through top, she was far, far beyond that cliche. Whether in jeans and a t-shirt or army fatigues, you couldn’t take a bad picture of her, added to which she was, and still is, a major talent, a true ikon of her time.

Blondie

22/05/2026

The abbey Road Music photography Awards are back for their 5th year! An amazing competition for all photographers of the music scene, whether you’re just starting your adventure, or have been at it for years. Go visit

17/05/2026

SQUEEZE with JOOLS HOLLAND on ‘LATER’ - 17th May 2026

Chris and Glenn of Squeeze will be playing with Jools Holland on ‘Later’ tonight, which is a thrill for fans as the three founding members haven’t played together for many years.

When I first met Squeeze in 1977 Glen Tilbrook and Chris Difford were already song-writing veterans having formed a creative partnership in their teens. They were managed for a while by my then boyfriend, entrepreneur Miles Copeland. He sent them to record at the legendary Pathway Studios in Islington. I fell in love with their wonderfully crafted songs – each one a riveting film script with an unforgettable melody.

Although Chris and Glen were the frontmen, the rest of the band were also charismatic. Jools Holland’s mum made his black and white ‘piano’ shirts. I often put him at the front of a band shoot chewing on a cigar in a Stetson hat like a cheeky teenager. Gilson Lavis was a real showman. He tossed his drumsticks in the air and caught them without missing a beat. Harri Kakouli played his bass slung low and tossed his curls. Combined they had an exotic DNA.

As well as designing their Deptford Fun City Record label I took photographs for their first EP, ‘Packet of Three’, which includes a favourite song, ‘Take Me I’m Yours’. I’ve photographed Chris and Glenn regularly over the years and love them dearly.

The only sad part in this post is that Gilson Lavis, who powered their early work and was Jools’ soul mate, passed away last year. I imagine his mighty presence will be cheering them on with a twirl of his heavenly drumsticks.

1. Early shoot in 1977 with the classic line-up
2. Soundcheck circa 1977 probably in Deptford
3. Outdoor gig at The Bell Pub in Deptford for Packet of Three
4. John Cale listening to a rehearsal circa 1978
5. Glen and Chris NME cover image July 1979
6. Band shoot Greenwich I think…1979
7. Jools and Gilson 1979
8. Glen and Chris, Cool for Cats era
9. Jools at the front, Kenwood Shoot circa 1979
10. Jools in one of his classic piano shirts
11. Deptford again, Jools last gig with the band August 1980

08/03/2026

International Women’s Day

The story behind this picture of Michelle Walmsley and her granddaughter. St. Peter’s Square. Manchester April 2023

“My granddaughter and I were on a day out to read some storybooks in the library. I always blow Emmeline Pankhurst (bronze by Hazel Reeves) a kiss when passing, in recognition of the Suffragettes’ heroic and ultimately successful struggle to enfranchise women, a landmark victory for First Wave Feminists. The Suffragettes are important to me because I discovered Feminism in the 70’s & was a ‘Girls Worker’ across Manchester in the 80s & 90s in the Youth Service, widening opportunities for girls & young women in leisure, sport & education. We were the first group to meet in the newly opened Pankhurst Centre in Manchester, HQ to the National Organisation of Workers (NOW) of which I was vice chair.

It seems to be the fate of each era of women to have to rediscover trailblazing women who came before us. Thank you for capturing this lovely moment of introduction with my darling granddaughter. “

Michelle’s words and the picture mean a great deal to me.

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