Inside Dave Benett’s new photography exhibition

If a party takes place and Dave Benett isn’t there to capture it, did it even happen at all?’ Alexa Chung once asked.

Now the London party set’s revered documenter hosts a solo exhibition of his glossy snaps at the JD Malat Gallery. As the Evening Standard’s arts and entertainment photographer since 1987, everyone from the Queen to Madonna and Liz Hurley in that Versace safety pin gown have appeared in front of his lens. It celebrates a landmark 40 years in the ‘biz.

The doors opened with a glittering do on Wednesday evening, where Benett discarded his camera and took to holding court welcoming guests. Sadie Frost, Dermot O’Leary and Jaime Winstone all showed up to support, before huddling around the bar stacked with magnums of Perrier-Jouët.

On the walls, jump through decades of the world’s greatest parties. You will find Prince side by side Prince Charles, Liza Minnelli and Princess Diana sharing a giggle at dinner, and an elated Elton John with Gianni Versace – you name it, Dave’s shot it.

Downstairs, projectors flick through an archive which spans over 1,000,000 pictures. Remarkably, it is Benett’s first ever exhibition – so come and raise a glass to four decades of fun.

Great Shot, Kid, until 8 Mar, JD Malat Gallery, 30 Davies Street, W1 (jdmalat.com)