The Rolling Stones by David Bailey, 1968. THEN - copyright David Bailey.

As we well know here at Esquire, the photographic process is not - in general - a speedy one. Working with stars of stage, screen and studio is tricky at the best of times, but coercing the great and good into pulling that winning pose is an entirely different ball game.

One man who knows this better than anyone is veteran British photographer David Bailey. In testament to the process he has come to perfect, a series of Bailey's never-before-seen contact sheets are to be exhibited at London's Hamiltons Gallery this month.

Taken from shoots with the likes of Jean Shrimpton, the Kray brothers, Michael Caine, Lennon & McCartney and a rather surreal setup with the Rolling Stones, the outsized black and white contact sheets provide a unique insight into some of the past century's most prominent characters.

"Then" by David Bailey will be on show until August 13 at Hamiltons, 13 Carlos Place, London, W1K 2EU. www.hamiltonsgallery.com

Mia Farrow by David Bailey, 1967. THEN - copyright David Bailey.

Catherine Deneuve by David Bailey, 1965. THEN - copyright David Bailey.