Relaxed Respite for Snappers and Songsters
By DONNA BALANCIA, WEST HOLLYWOOD — The Morrison Hotel Gallery is a hidden trove of rocker memorabilia in the heart of Los Angeles, close to Sunset Strip in more ways than one.
Former recording executive Peter Blachley and his team have taken a passion for music and turned it into a visual tribute to some of Rock and Roll’s greatest musicians and photographers.
The music afficionado should be happy for Blachley’s passion.
The gallery hosts a range of exhibits and openings, and many music names grace the halls — and the walls — of the West Hollywood space.
One recent event featured Jamie Hince of The Kills, whose exhibit, Echo Home, reflects his well-traveled life as founder of the beloved and edgy alternative group.
Blachley’s relationships and his partnerships — in particular, his friendships with photographers like partner Henry Diltz — have been key to success.
“We have plans to expand and we want to always have a presence in the art community,” said Blachley, a San Francisco native. “We’ll be at Art Basel in Miami this year and we really like Nashville.”
Morrison Hotel Gallery is well-known among photographers and musicians and Blachley said a goal is to make the gallery the resource for collectors of photographic works.
Blachley’s fiance, Susan Brandt brings her flair for fun, and love for working with charitable groups to the gallery.
She works with the group Rational Animal and the recent Echo Home exhibit raises money for the group. Hince and The Kills bandmate Alison Mosshart support the charity.
“It’s a great cause and we’re happy to help,” Hince said at the VIP reception at Morrison Hotel Gallery Saturday night following the band’s Halloween performance at the LA Forum.
Few are fortunate enough in life to blend their passion and their work and earn a living at it. Blachley and his Morrison Hotel Gallery group show in fine flair that it can be done.
News By Donna 