LPA Futures / Gavin Li / The Duchess

Gavin Li has an incredible talent not only for taking fantastic portraits, but also finding interesting and unusual people to photograph. This series of images are of Brian, or ‘The Duchess’, and were taken at his home in London.

Gavin met Brian some time ago and asked if he could take a few portraits of him after discovering his eccentric personality and way of life.

Brian has a fascination and adoration for uniforms and has collected a huge and eclectic mix of them throughout his life. He is also a member of Europes oldest homosexual leather group that dates back to 1965 in London. He is known as ’The Duchess’ within his circle of friends because he was recognised across the continent for this flamboyant and grand character.

Gavin says that, to him, Brian represents one of the great pioneers of his time and is a part of the LGBTQ history of Britain.

Brian invited Gavin into his home, where every room was decorated with antiques, classical and restored furnishings, and was a perfect reflection of his larger than life personality.

An interesting note - his house is also believed to be haunted by the ghost of a monk!

We can’t get enough of these images, fabulous work Gavin!