In the late 1940s, David Sharkey, a former boxer turned photographer, seized an opportunity to meet the urgent passport photo needs of a frustrated American traveler at Wolfe’s Coffee House. This encounter sparked the birth of Express Photos on Oxford Street in 1953, later rebranded as Passport Photo Service at 449 Oxford Street, strategically located near prominent embassies.
Over its 66-year operation until its closure in 2019, the family-owned business catered to a diverse clientele, including over 800 celebrities. A new book titled “Passport Photo Service: An Unexpected Archive of Celebrity Portraits” by Philip Sharkey, the founder’s son, showcases 300 exclusive celebrity images captured by the studio.
The studio differentiated itself by offering a speedy “ready in 10 minutes” service, spearheaded by a family team comprising David, his wife Ann, and their son Philip. Despite adversities like the IRA bombing in 1974, the studio remained steadfast, adhering to various countries’ specific photo requirements.
Noteworthy personalities like Muhammad Ali, Joan Collins, and Mick Jagger graced the studio’s walls, embodying a unique historical snapshot. The studio’s legacy lives on through Philip’s book, preserving its rich history and memorable moments with renowned figures like Ali and Nancy Spungen, adding a touch of nostalgia and intrigue to London’s past.
In 2014, the studio relocated before eventually closing in 2019, citing changing circumstances such as the US embassy’s move. However, Philip’s book immortalizes the studio’s essence, endorsed by Stephen Fry for its poignant revival of a bygone era in the capital.
Philip Sharkey’s “Passport Photo Service: An Unexpected Archive of Celebrity Portraits” is now available for £19.95, published by Phaidon.