David Gilmour — Luck and Strange — Studio/Live

Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour’s No. 1 Album Luck and Strange is, in his own words, his strongest work to date. Here, captured by the camera of Polly Samson, is the magic and playfulness of the creative process of bringing this work to life, both in the studio and on stage at breathtaking venues including the Circus Maximus in Rome.

Samson, who is Gilmour’s partner and creative collaborator, and an acclaimed novelist / photographer in her own right, wrote many of the album’s lyrics; their children contribute vocals, words and in Romany Gilmour, their daughter, we discover an ethereal new voice and beguiling stage presence. The album’s preoccupations are mortality, living and ageing. This photobook captures that process as it takes shape: from conception and recording, from off-duty and studio immersion, to release and live performance; from intimate behind-the-scenes shots, to theatrical stage moments. We see an artist at work, the collaborative process, the moments of light relief – and the focus as the work takes flight.

The book features the unmistakeable hand lettering of Anton Corbijn on the cover and throughout, an interview by rock photographer Jill Furmanovsky with Polly Samson that sheds light on a photographer’s craft, as well as providing insights into Samson's relationship with Gilmour. The foreword is written by the late Alan Yentob.