The Gallery Of Photography is premiering a Bob Dylan exhibition from the singer's early days in New York City.

The previously unseen photographs are taken by renowned photographer Ted Russell. The exclusive shots spent the last 50 years lying largely dormant in a file cabinet. The exhibit chronicles the musician's time in Greenwich Village from 1961 to 1964. During which he recorded the albums Bob Dylan in 1962, 1963's The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan and The Times They Are a-Changin' in 1964.

The candid collection shows Dylan relaxing backstage and performing on stage at folk clubs, writing in his tiny apartment, hanging out with his girlfriend, Suze Rotolo, who was on the cover of the Freewheelin' LP, and strolling through the NYC streets.

Courtesy of Ted_Russell/Govinda_Gallery

Chris Murray, exhibition curator and co-author of the accompanying book, notes: “This collection of photographs by Ted Russell is a unique document of Dylan’s first years as a musical artist and his genesis in Greenwich Village. In the photographs, as in Dylan’s music, we can see his conviction and compassion, his humour, and his love of song. Whether he was inspired by Little Richard, the Clancy Brothers or Woody Guthrie, Dylan remained rooted in tradition while making something contemporary and of his own time. We are enriched by this portrait of the artist as a young man.”

Opening events take place on Tuesday January 26th.

5.30pm - Talk by exhibition curator, and music photography expert, Chris Murray on the relationship between twentieth century popular music and photography.

6.30pm - Launch reception.