THE Swinging Sixties is at the heart of a new exhibition from Arts University College at Bournemouth graduate and celebrated 60s photographer, Philip Townsend.

His exhibition, Mister Sixties runs until February 25 and contains a decade of photographs reflecting the social and cultural revolution that took place across the UK.

He’s renowned for taking the Rolling Stones’ first ever photo shoot when they were broke and hungry and looking for their first record contract and was at the beating heart of the revolution, capturing unforgettable images in an inimitable style that speaks down the years.

Townsend said: “It’s great to be back in Bournemouth and it’s an honour to be the second exhibition in the new gallery”.

This vibrant exhibition of over sixty images, curated by The Lowry, Salford, captures some of the most iconic faces of the Sixties including Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Twiggy, The Beatles, Harold Wilson, Maria Callas and private fashion shows at Mary Quant’s headquarters.

On display for the first time will be Townsend’s memorabilia from the 60s including the camera he used to take his photographs, objects from his studio, newspaper cuttings and letters.

Between 1960 and 1969 Townsend worked as a photographer for many leading magazines and newspapers both in the UK and abroad.

While other photographers took portraits, often closely cropped, Townsend widened his frame to include backgrounds, landscapes and a sheer feel of the period.

He studied photography at the Bournemouth and Poole College of Art and Design between 1957 and 1959.

He is now an Honorary Fellow of its successor, The Arts University College at Bournemouth.

There will be a special insight into the sixties from Townsend himself on January 19 when he makes a personal appearance at The Gallery.

He will be in conversation with bass player Jim Mercer with mini-skirts, rock music and counter-culture on the agenda in a discussion about the music and style that made the sixties swing. Admission is free.

• Mister Sixties: Philip Townsend’s Portraits of a Decade, The Arts University College at Bournemouth runs until February 25.