Unseen Pete Burns photographs to go on display

Previously unseen photographs of 1980s pop icon Pete Burns are to go on display in the village where he grew up.

Wirral-born Burns, who died in 2016, will be the focus of the Total Stranger exhibition at Port Sunlight, where his father worked for Unilever.

The show will include photos that capture the essence of the Liverpool music scene, from which Burns and his band Dead Or Alive emerged to become international stars.

Manager Francesco Mellina said the display of over 40 pictures was "a tribute to Pete and his career".

'Eighties music icon'

"I think many people will be fascinated to see these early photos of Pete Burns and Dead or Alive, as they capture their youthfulness and give an interesting glimpse into an exciting time in Liverpool’s club scene," he said.

“I became friends with Pete after he caught my eye at the legendary Eric’s Club on Mathew Street and I asked if I could photograph him.

"The beauty of photography for me is it freezes a moment in time and it is captured forever."

Mellina guided Dead Or Alive to number one chart success with hits such You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) and Brand New Lover.

During this time, he also developed a career as a nationally recognised rock photographer, and was a regular contributor to magazines including The Face, NME, Melody Maker, Smash Hits, Sounds and iD magazine.

It is the first time the photographs have been on public display.

'Unseen photographs'

“I am very pleased to be presenting this exhibition of my photographs in Port Sunlight, many of which have never been on display," Mellina added.

"I think he would be delighted to see these photographs now on display in his native village.”

Jean Milton, curator of the exhibition and Director of Heritage at Port Sunlight Village Trust, said:

“We are delighted to be working with Francesco Mellina and to celebrate the life and early career of Pete Burns through Francesco’s images.

"This exhibition will hopefully bring Pete to a whole new audience and inspire a new generation to be true to who they are and not be afraid to create their own path.”

The exhibition runs until 19 January 2025.