Portrait of the photographic artist

When David Bailey throws a party to celebrate the launch of his new book of photographs, you can bet the names will come.

Through his career the photographer has prided himself on his intimate portraits of showbusiness big-hitters which have graced the pages of the fashion world's leading glossies.

At this party - thrown by Harpers & Queen magazine editor Lucy Yeomans - the photographer found himself on the other side of the lens, partying with some of the subjects who over the years have become friends.

A large reception party last night at Gordon Ramsay's Claridge's restaurant in Mayfair turned into a smaller private meal for 80. Bailey, 63, whose book, Chasing Rainbows, is being published by Thames and Hudson, arrived with his wife Catherine and their two children.

Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood was there with wife Jo and son Jesse while actress Saffron Burrows came with model Kate Moss and bass player Alex James from Blur.

Model Jodie Kidd arrived with her boyfriend, professional polo player Tarquin Southwell. Bob Geldof came with his girlfriend Jeanne Marine.