Portraits

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, being interviewed in London for the Guardian by Luke Harding and Pippa Crerar. Close-up portrait in a black suit against a neutral background, intense expression with hands raised to chest. London. Photograph by David Levene, 08 June 2026
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Damien Hirst, British artist known for his work exploring themes of death and mortality, photographed in front of one of his large-scale butterfly wing paintings, London. Photograph by David Levene, 24 September 2019
Damien Hirst
An NHS nurse in uniform standing on a grassy riverbank with moored boats and a port visible in the background, England. Photograph by David Levene, 14 April 2016
Marta Woldanski
Edward Bond, British playwright whose works include Saved and Lear, seated among the red velvet seats of a theatre auditorium, London. Photograph by David Levene, 9 May 2016
Edward Bond
Sir Derek Jacobi. British actor and one of the most distinguished figures in British theatre and screen. A celebrated interpreter of Shakespeare and classical drama, he is renowned for his performances with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre, as well as his acclaimed television roles in I, Claudius and Cadfael. The recipient of numerous BAFTA, Olivier, and Tony awards throughout his career. Photographed at Home. London. Photograph by David Levene 2 April 2026
Derek Jacobi
On 24/1/16 on BBC1 Sir David will tell the story of the fossil discovery and reconstruction in Argentina of the largest known dinosaur, a new species of titanosaur. London. Photograph by David Levene 24 January 2016
Sir David Attenborough
Stephen Graham. British actor celebrated for his powerful and versatile performances across film and television. Renowned for his roles in This Is England, Line of Duty, and The Irishman, Graham is widely regarded as one of the most compelling dramatic actors of his generation. London. Photograph by David Levene. 26 February 2019
Stephen Graham
Colombian artist Delcy Morelos, photographed with her new work 'Origo' a major public artwork presented by the Barbican from 15 May – 31 July 2026, in the City's Culture Mile. The project responds to the Barbican’s iconic concrete architecture, carrying forward the Visual Arts’ commitment to commissioning beyond its gallery walls. London. Photograph by David Levene 13 May 2026
Delcy Morelos
Jane Goodall. British primatologist, anthropologist, and conservationist renowned for her pioneering research on wild chimpanzees. Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, she is a global advocate for wildlife conservation, environmental protection, and sustainable development. Studio portrait on a grey backdrop. London. Photograph by David Levene 27 October 2017
Dr Jane Goodall
Dr Tara Mastracci, consultant cardiothoracic surgeon, photographed in a hospital operating theatre beneath surgical lights, London. Photograph by David Levene, 1 December 2015
Dr Tara Mastracci
Antony Sher. South African-born British actor, author, and artist, widely regarded as one of the most distinguished stage performers of his generation. A long-standing associate of the Royal Shakespeare Company, he received numerous Olivier and BAFTA awards throughout his acclaimed career. Sir Antony Sher passed away in 2021. Photograph by David Levene 01 February 2013
Antony Sher
James McAvoy. Scottish actor recognised for his versatile performances across stage and screen. Known internationally for his roles in the X-Men franchise, Atonement, and Split, McAvoy is also celebrated for his critically acclaimed work in theatre, including his Olivier Award-nominated performance in Cyrano de Bergerac in the West End. Photograph by David Levene 21 December 2016
James McAvoy
Debbie Harry. American singer, songwriter, and actress, best known as the lead vocalist of the pioneering new wave band Blondie. A defining figure of the late 1970s and 1980s music scene, Harry is recognised as one of the most influential performers in pop and punk history. London. Photograph by David Levene 05 September 2019
Debbie Harry
Anthony Gormley stands inside his new work 'Test Sites'. The artist has created a major new site-specific installation and a new series of cast body-form sculptures. 'Breathing Room III' will be exhibited in the lower ground floor gallery and is the third and largest in this series of works. The sculpture is a physical manifestation of the gallery, comprising 15 interconnecting photo-luminescent 'space frames', the total volume of which is equal to that of the internal gallery space. Time and light are the principal materials of the work. White Cube gallery. London. Photograph by David Levene 3 June 2010
'Test Sites' by Anthony Gormley
Michaela Coel, British writer, actress and director known for Chewing Gum and I May Destroy You, photographed against a graffiti-covered railway bridge in east London. Photograph by David Levene, 11 September 2015
Michaela Coel
James Blake, British singer-songwriter and producer known for his atmospheric electronic and soul-influenced music, in a profile portrait against a dark studio background, London. Photograph by David Levene, 2 May 2016
James Blake
Florentina Holzinger. Austria Pavilion. 61st International Art Exhibition, Biennale di Venezia, In Minor Keys. Venice, Italy. Photograph by David Levene 5 May 2026
Florentina Holzinger
Tracey Emin. British artist and Royal Academician, renowned for her deeply personal and provocative work spanning installation, painting, and sculpture. A leading figure of the Young British Artists movement, she represented Britain at the Venice Biennale in 2007 and was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2013. Photographed inside her Margate studio. Margate. Photograph by David Levene 27 March 2023
Tracey Emin
Heston Blumenthal. British chef and restaurateur, renowned for his pioneering approach to molecular gastronomy. Photographed in a spacesuit to illustrate a story about the freeze-dried meals he created for European Space Agency Astronaut Tim Peake to eat during his 6-month posting on the International Space Station. London. Photograph by David Levene 20 January 2016
Heston Blumenthal
Matthew Macfadyen is an English actor acclaimed for his versatility across film, television, and theatre. He is known for bringing depth and nuance to a wide range of roles, from intense dramas to period adaptations. With a career spanning decades, Macfadyen has earned recognition for his performances in productions such as Pride & Prejudice, Succession, and numerous stage productions with the Royal Shakespeare Company. London. Photograph by David Levene 07 October 2008
Matthew Macfadyen
Quentin Blake, British illustrator best known for his collaboration with Roald Dahl and his distinctive pen-and-watercolour style, seated on a sofa upholstered with his own parrot illustrations, London. Photograph by David Levene, 29 February 2020
Quentin Blake
Actor Zachary Quinto poses while holding a Rolleiflex camera against a beige backdrop while in rehearsals for the upcoming production of Best of Enemies, in which he will appear alongside David Harewood at The Young Vic Theatre. London. Photograph by David Levene 26 October 2022
Zachary Quinto
Matt Appleton, British artist known for his work with colour and geometric form, photographed among large suspended sheets of coloured card in his studio, London. Photograph by David Levene, 15 January 2015.
Matt Appleton
Willem Dafoe, American actor known for his wide-ranging roles across independent and mainstream cinema including Platoon, Shadow of the Vampire and At Eternity…Willem Dafoe, American actor known for his wide-ranging roles across independent and mainstream cinema including Platoon, Shadow of the Vampire and At Eternity's Gate, in a close-up portrait for the cover of The Guardian G2, London. Photograph by David Levene, 17 June 2013.
Willem Dafoe
Ba'araa, 9 Deep in the Hebron Hills, the village of Al Fakheet is home to 15 families dependant on herding to sustain their livelihood. Al Fakheet is located in Area C of the West Bank where Israel maintains military and civil control. Residents are forbidden from building roads, electrical grids, water networks, and homes or schools in Area C. To reach Al Fakheet is a 40 minute drive off the main road through rugged terrain. Water is hauled in on tractor trailers in tanks about once a week. Although completely isolated, Francesca Pini, a livelihoods specialist with Oxfam, says people in Al Fakheet are actually completely dependant on international markets. “Herders have been restricted by Israel from using grazing land so they have no choice but to buy animal feed. With the global price of grain continuously rising, herders in Palestine are now spending 60 per cent of their annual income just to feed the sheep.” Yasser lives in Al Fakheet with his mother, Fatmeh, his wife, Hajah, and their 7 children, who range in age from 17 to 2 years old. Children pictured, Yasmeen, 2, Ba’araa, 9, and Younis, 12. Although there are several international aid agencies that provide humanitarian relief in villages like Al Fakheet, Yasser says he has never received any assistance from the Palestinian Authority. “I live in Area C, so the Palestinian Authority can’t come here. I need a government that can protect me, I need help to support my family. If a state means that the government can help me, then it’s a good thing. If not, then nothing will change." Fatmeh, aged 70, first came to Al Fakheet from the town of Yatta with her husband in 1963 because it had the best grazing pastures in the area. Because of the harsh elements in Al Fakheet, the family still kept their house in Yatta as their primary residence. “In the early 80s the Israelis took our house and surrounding land in Yatta. It was 37 acres. Its full of Israeli greenhouses now.” Photograph by David Levene, 15 September 2011.
Ba'araa, 9
Annie Nightingale, BBC Radio 1 DJ and broadcaster who championed new music across six decades, photographed at her home in west London for The Observer New Review. Photograph by David Levene, 30 August 2020
Annie Nightingale
Sandrine Zhang Ferron. interior designer and founder of Sandrine Vinterior, known for curating and promoting unique vintage and antique interior pieces. Photographed at home. London. Photograph by David Levene 24 April 2025
Sandrine Zhang Ferron
Gillian Anderson. British-American award-winning actress, recognised globally for her acclaimed roles in The X-Files and The Crown. London. Photograph by David Levene 29 January 2015
Gillian Anderson
Famke Janssen. Dutch actress and former model, recognised internationally for her role as Jean Grey in the X-Men film series and her acclaimed performance as Xenia Onatopp in the James Bond film GoldenEye.
Famke Janssen
Ken Follett, Welsh author best known for his historical novels including The Pillars of the Earth and the Kingsbridge series, standing barefoot on a garden bench beside a yellow Labrador in front of a large tree, England. Photograph by David Levene, 28 July 2020
Ken Follett
Tom Kerridge. British chef and restaurateur known for his modern take on British cuisine and as the first chef to run a pub awarded two Michelin stars. Photographed at the Butcher's Tap and Grill, Marlow, Buckinghamshire. Stending outside wearing a white tshirt, blue apron, and holging a piece of meat on the left hand and a butcher yello cleaver in the right hand. Photograph by David Levene 30 April 2025
Tom Kerridge
Mati Diop. French-Senegalese filmmaker and actress, recognised as the first Black female director to compete for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Her debut feature Atlantics won the Grand Prix at Cannes in 2019, establishing her as one of the most significant voices in contemporary world cinema. London. Photographed by David Levene 11 October 2024
Mati Diop
Sheku Kanneh-Mason. British cellist who rose to prominence after winning BBC Young Musician, known for his expressive performances and role in bringing classical music to wider audiences. Photographed at the Barbican. London. Photograph by David Levene 21 April 2025
Sheku Kanneh-Mason
Dan Reed. Documentary filmmaker known for in-depth, investigative films on controversial subjects, including Leaving Neverland. London Photograph by David Levene 11 March 2025
Dan Reed
Architects. British metalcore band known for their blend of heavy riffs and melodic elements, with lyrics often addressing politics, society, and personal struggle. Dan Searle (moustache), Adam Christianson (long hair), Sam Carter (black coat, short hair, tattoos) and Alex Dean (black button-up top). London. Photograph by David Levene 4 February 2025
Architects
Malcolm Rifkind, British Conservative politician who served as Foreign Secretary under John Major, photographed for The Guardian Saturday Journal, London. Photograph by David Levene, 4 April 2015
Malcolm Rifkind
Silvestre De Sousa, Brazilian-born champion flat racing jockey, standing in a paddock field with thoroughbred horses, England. Photograph by David Levene, 27 August 2015
Silvestre De Sousa
Dr John W McCauley, Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza at the Francis Crick Institute, photographed in the institute's open-plan research facility, London. Photograph by David Levene, 21 January 2022
Dr John W McCauley
Fabrizio Moretti, Italian Old Master art dealer and founder of Moretti Fine Art, seated in front of a large-scale photorealist painting of a human eye at his London gallery. Photograph by David Levene, 26 May 2022
Fabrizio Moretti
Fraser Nelson, Scottish journalist and editor of The Spectator magazine, seated on a wooden chair against a weathered exterior wall, London. Photograph by David Levene, 3 February 2014.
Fraser Nelson
Zaha Hadid, Iraqi-British architect and the first woman to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize, photographed against a sculptural curved relief surface echoing the fluid forms characteristic of her architectural vision, London. Photograph by David Levene, 19 September 2013.
Zaha Hadid
Mirosław Bałka, Polish sculptor known for large-scale installations exploring themes of memory, absence and the human condition, photographed alongside a monumental wooden structure ahead of his Unilever Series commission at Tate Modern, London. Photograph by David Levene, October 2009.
Mirosław Bałka
June Brown, British actress best known for her role as Dot Cotton in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, seated in a pub booth holding a cigarette and a glass of wi…June Brown, British actress best known for her role as Dot Cotton in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, seated in a pub booth holding a cigarette and a glass of wine, London. Photograph by David Levene, 20 April 2009.
June Brown
Damien Hirst, British artist known for his work exploring themes of death and mortality, holding a human skull model against a white studio background, London. Photograph by David Levene, 15 June 2006.
Damien Hirst
Mia Couto, Mozambican writer and biologist considered one of the most important authors in Portuguese-language literature, photographed in a sparsely furnished interior, Mozambique. Photograph by David Levene, 2 July 2016
Mia Couto
Two men seated inside a vibrantly decorated truck cab adorned with colourful artificial flowers, garlands and religious imagery, Rajasthan, India. Photograph by David Levene, 13 November 2010.
Trucking in India
Steve Coogan's preparations for Dr Strangelove at the Noël Coward Theatre. Transformations into character. A behind-the-scenes look at the processes and rituals undertaken by stage actors as they transform into character. London. Photograph by David Levene 11 January 2025
Steve Coogan preparations for Dr Strangelove, 2025
Mikhail Krichman. Russian cinematographer known for his visually poetic style and long-standing collaboration with director Andrey Zvyagintsev on films such as Leviathan and Loveless. Photographed on a grey backdrop. London. Photograph by David Levene 8 January 2025
Mikhial Krichman
Toto Wolff. CEO of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team and Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport. Photographed beside a 2023 F1 car at the tema's home in Brackely, Northamptonshire, England. Photograph by David Levene 6 November 2024
Toto Wolff
Thomas Heatherwick. British designer and founder of Heatherwick Studio, known for innovative architecture and design projects that combine engineering, sculpture, and urban space. Photographed at his studios in King's Cross, inside a wooden cabin, wearing a blue outfit. London. Photograph by David Levene 24 October 2023
Thomas Heatherwick
Ramy Youssef is an American comedian, actor, and writer best known for his critically acclaimed Hulu series Ramy, which explores the life of a young Egyptian-American navigating faith, identity, and modern life. Combining sharp observational humor with poignant storytelling, Youssef addresses cultural, religious, and generational themes with authenticity and wit. He has received widespread recognition, including a Golden Globe Award, establishing him as a significant voice in contemporary comedy. Photographed at the Soho Hotel against a blue chair on a blue background. London. Photograph by David Levene, 14 December 2023
Ramy Youssef
Coleman Domingo. American actor, playwright, and director known for his dynamic performances across stage, film, and television. He has received critical acclaim for roles in productions such as Fear the Walking Dead, Euphoria, and Broadway shows including The Scottsboro Boys. Domingo is celebrated for his versatility, emotional depth, and ability to bring complex characters to life, as well as for his work as a writer and director, contributing to both theatre and screen storytelling. London. Photograph by David Levene 22 November 2023
Coleman Domingo
Eddie Hearn. British sports promoter and the managing director of Matchroom Sport, one of the world’s leading boxing and sporting promotion companies. He is known for organising major boxing events featuring top fighters, bringing global attention to the sport, and innovating the way boxing is marketed and broadcast. Hearn has become a prominent figure in international boxing, recognised for his business acumen, media presence, and influence in shaping modern combat sports. Photographed at the Matchroom Sport offices in Chelmsford. Essex. Photograph by David Levene 22 May 2023
Eddie Hearn
Gavin Turk. British contemporary artist associated with the Young British Artists, known for conceptual works exploring authorship, identity, and the value of art through sculpture and installation. Photographed inside a white box with plastic bottles, while wearing a blue suit and an orange shirt. London. Photograph by David Levene 11 October 2019
Gavin Turk
Ken Clarke MP. British politician and former Conservative MP who served in Parliament for over 50 years. He held several senior Cabinet positions, including Chancellor of the Exchequer, Home Secretary, and Secretary of State for Health, and was known for his pro-European Union stance and pragmatic, moderate approach. Photographed in his office at Portcullis House. Westminster, London. Photograph by David Levene. 9 April 2019.
Ken Clarke
David Shrigley. British visual artist and illustrator known for his distinctive, humorous, and often absurd style. Working across drawing, sculpture, animation, and installations, he combines dark humour with simple, childlike aesthetics to comment on everyday life, society, and human behaviour. Shrigley’s work has been exhibited internationally, earning acclaim for its wit, originality, and ability to provoke thought while entertaining audiences. Photographed with 'Life Model II'. Fabrica, Brighton. Photograph by David Levene 13 April 20218
David Shrigley
Jon Fosse is a Norwegian playwright, novelist, and poet, celebrated for his minimalist and lyrical style. His work often explores themes of existence, human relationships, and the passage of time, blending silence and repetition to create profound emotional resonance. Fosse’s plays have been staged internationally and have earned him critical acclaim, including the Nobel Prize in Literature, solidifying his reputation as one of the leading voices in contemporary European literature. Photographed in the backstage. Oslo. Photograph by David Levene 27 February 2014.
Jon Fosse
John Cooper Clarke. English performance poet, comedian, and cultural icon known for his rapid-fire delivery, sharp wit, and punk-influenced style. Emerging in the 1970s alongside the British punk movement, he brought poetry to new audiences through live performances that blended humour, social observation, and rhythmic spoken word. His distinctive look and energetic stage presence helped redefine modern performance poetry, making him one of the most recognisable poets in contemporary British culture. London. Photograph by David Levene 25 December 2012
John Cooper Clarke
Victoria Wood. English comedian, actress, and writer, known for her sharp wit, observational humour, and memorable sketches that often captured everyday British life with warmth and intelligence. She was a multi-talented performer who also wrote and starred in television shows, plays, and musical comedies. Photographed sitting on a desk against a brick background. London. Photograph by David Levene 03 August 2010
Victoria Wood
Boris Becker. German tennis player and sports personality, widely regarded as one of the sport’s greatest talents. He became the youngest Wimbledon men’s singles champion at age 17 and won six Grand Slam singles titles in his career. Known for his powerful serve, athletic style, and competitive spirit, Becker also achieved success in doubles and later worked as a coach and commentator, maintaining a prominent presence in the world of tennis. London. Photography by David Levene 15 May 2009
Boris Becker
Aidan Gillen is an Irish actor known for his roles in acclaimed television series and films. He gained international recognition for his performances in Game of Thrones and The Wire, establishing himself as a distinctive presence in contemporary television and cinema. London. Photograph by David Levene 21 September 2007
Aidan Gillen
Michael Caine. British actor and author whose career spans more than six decades across film, television, and theatre. Known for his distinctive voice and versatile performances, he has appeared in numerous acclaimed films and remains one of the most recognisable figures in British cinema. Portraited against a black wooden wall, on location. Photograph by David Levene 08 December 2005
Michael Caine
Batia Ofer, seated in a modern orange armchair against a wood-panelled wall with contemporary pop art by Lichtenstein. London-based philanthropist and art patron known for her support of cultural and charitable initiatives. Actively involved with leading institutions such as the Royal Academy of Arts. Photograph by David Levene 08 June 2023
Batia Ofer
Kleber Mendonça Filho. Brazilian film director, screenwriter, and producer. Winner of Best Director at the Cannes Film Festival and the Golden Globe for Best Non-English Language Film for The Secret Agent (2025), with previous works including Bacurau, winner of the Cannes Jury Prize, and Aquarius, nominated for the Palme d'Or. London. Photograph by David Levene 21 October 2025
Kleber Mendonça Filho
Eric Lancaster and his wife Sheila who has Alzheimer's. LONG READ, Waterbeach, London. Photograph by David Levene 28 August 2015
Eric Lancaster and his wife Sheila
Rufus Norris. Artistic Director of The National Theatre. Photographed backstage at The National Theatre. London. Photograph by David Levene 22 September 2015
Rufus Norris