Alternative Comedy Legends Exhibit at Museum of Comedy Opens Next Month

Rare images of iconic British comedians shot by photographer and filmmaker Trevor Rogers during the ground-breaking comedy era of the 1980's.

Trevor Rogers, award-winning photographer and film maker, literally stumbled upon his archive of 1980's ground-breaking alternative comedy portraits when he moved studio a year ago. Boxes long sealed and stored were unpacked and among them were the rediscovered treasures about to be unleashed on the British public in 'Alternative Comedy Legends - a Retrospective' at the Museum of Comedy from 11 March 2015.

Rogers will reveal images of some of Britain's most iconic and influential comedians in the exhibition: Dawn French & Jennifer Saunders, Alexei Sayle, the much loved and sadly missed Rik Mayall (1958 - 2014), Ade Edmondson, Peter Richardson, Nigel Planer and Arnold Brown, all of whom featured in many landmark shows; all were pioneering risk-takers. Dominating the alternative comedy scene throughout the eighties they paved the way for a whole new generation of comedians.

"Moving studio does have its benefits" joked Rogers. "I've moved a few times over the years, but for some reason, this time I decided to open up a few crates. I couldn't believe it. I'd forgotten how much material I'd hidden away. It didn't seem right these British comedy giants should stay sealed up".

The exhibition will be held in the Museum of Comedy in Bloomsbury. "It's the perfect venue" added Rogers. "Martin Witts, the Museum's owner, enthused over the images and has been a great supporter of the show; with Comic Relief 2015 kicking off on 13 March, the timing couldn't be better. I'm excited to think that a whole new comedy audience will get the chance to finally see these images for the very first time".

All prints will be signed by Trevor Rogers and a limited edition number of selected prints will be signed by some of the comedians. Both signed and non-signed prints will be available for purchase and to order.

A percentage of ticket and print sales raised during the exhibition will be donated to Comic Relief 2015.

The exhibition opens on Wednesday 11 March and closes on 30 September 2015.