September 2012: Ronnie Wood @ Symbolic London

Ronnie Wood, Photographed at Ronnie Wood: A Major Retrospective of 50 Years of Rock and Roll

Ronnie Wood: A Major Retrospective of 50 Years of Rock and Roll
Symbolic London
August 9 - October 9 2012 

Ronnie Wood: A Major Retrospective of 50 Years of Rock and Roll had already been open for a few days, but the hype didn't rev up until the afternoon of August 13th, when the exhibition's namesake strolled in off the street for a quick look-see (and then fled even quicker when the paparazzi action got to be a bit much).

Running until the 9th of October, the comprehensive retrospective features paintings, sketches, and handwritten lyrics by Ronnie Wood along with signed guitars, photographs and tons of Wood-related ephemera from his 50 years in the music industry – as a participating musician as well as observant fly-on-wall visual artist.

Judging from Wood's reactions during his brief visit, he hadn't seen a lot of these relics in a very long time. He couldn't help but crack a childlike smile and put hand to head viewing old work, photos, and memorabilia from his life. All the items on view are from the personal collection of Bernie Chase, founder of the Symbolic Collection. Essentially just an incredibly avid aficionado, Chase has had a lifelong fascination with art and music and is now sharing his collection with the public. Apparently he's looking to cash in on his obsessions; everything in the collection is for sale to the public.

Big deal items in the show include original set lists and handwritten working lyrics for the Rolling Stones, Faces, The Birds and The Jeff Beck Group, guitars painted by Wood with each featuring rare drawings and lyrics, and a range of large canvas paintings: recent works which have never been displayed before.

If you are also a fan of the Rolling Stones, Faces or the Jeff Beck Group, or simply would like to see how a guy with a great eye went about capturing some fascinating pop culture and rock and roll moments over the last half century, this show is a must.

Ronnie Wood: A Major Retrospective of 50 years of Rock and Roll is free to view and runs until 9 October 2012 at the Symbolic London pop up showroom, 34 Bruton Street, W1J 6QX.