Something Manly: An exhibition by Stewart Bryden

Preview by Morgan McTiernan | 22 Apr 2015

An exhibition that “plays with the notion of what is considered manly in modern day UK" launches on Saturday 25 April, showcasing the work of Scottish photographer Stewart Bryden. 

Something Manly features works exclusively by Bryden, and includes portraits of American soul singer Charles Bradley and renowned fellow photographer David Eustace, as well as featuring Scotland's leading male models Christopher Millington and Paul Carrigan. The exhibition will be held in Edinburgh menswear store The Brotique, where it runs until 10 May. According to Bryden, the exhibition is "a celebration of men" and "a collection of male portraits and commissioned works" that spans Bryden's career. 

Upon graduating with a degree in photography, Stewart Bryden worked as an assistant in the New York studio of world-renowned American artist and photographer Ryan McGinley. Since then he has gone on to shoot major league campaigns for brands including REISS and Dr Marten, been published in magazines and newspapers such as CLASH Magazine, Scotland On Sunday and The Scotsman and has covered fashion events such as London Fashion Week throughout the UK. Bryden is now also acting as Photography Ambassador for the Scottish Creative Network.

He has chosen The Brotique store in Edinburgh to play host to his two week long debut solo exhibition, saying, “I have been working with The Brotique for a while now and around three months ago they suggested the idea of a solo show. It seemed like the perfect environment to showcase these prints.”

The Brotique are also excited to welcome the photographer's work in to the store: “We are delighted to be hosting Stewart Bryden's first solo show and have been following his work with local designers to internationally recognised brands over the last few years. It made perfect sense to invite him."

The Brotique was established in late 2013 and is the quintessential menswear destination store, stocking high quality grooming products, tech, stationary and accessories (and also their signature product, the #ManHamper, which is a bespoke package individual to each customer's lifestyle and personal taste).

Stewart Bryden and The Brotique seem like a great fit – both committed to celebrating the creativity Scotland has to offer.

25 Apr-10 May, The Brotique, 39 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 3NH thebrotique.co.uk http://stewartbryden.com