Steven Berkoff unveils his photos of East End life in 1960s and 70s

Hollywood star Steven Berkoff has opened an exhibition of his photographic collection showing London’s East End in the 1960s and 70s.

His pictures taken more than 40 years ago has inspired today’s students to put together their own photo portfolios which are to go on show the tjhe Old Truman’s Brewery in Brick Lane in June.

The screen actor, director and playwright opened his own photographic exhibition with his evocative black-and-white pictures at Middlesex University last Thursday when he spoke to the undergraduates about his life and career.

Lecturer Kathleen Mullaniff said: “The photographs give us a fascinating insight into the East End in the 1960s and 70s, reminding us of how people lived and worked.”

Berkoff’s black and white ‘social documentary’ snaps taken more than 40 years ago capture everyday life of ordinary people, shops and streets in what was largely a Jewish area.

He was born in Whitechapel in 1937, the son of a Russian-Jewish refugee working in the East End’s tailoring trade. The family lived in rented rooms in Sidney Street before moving out to Hackney.

Steven began his acting career in the 1950s and went to Hollywood in the 1970s, his best-known performances in villainous roles in ‘Rambo’, James Bond’s ‘Octopussy’, ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ and ‘A Clockwork Orange’.

He starred more recently in ‘Girl with a Dragon Tattoo’ and played opposite Johnny Depp in ‘The Tourist’.

His exhibition of 41 prints of East End life is at Middlesex University’s Hendon campus until Friday.