Announced today, the incredible new exhibition Scale will premiere at Unlocked in Shoreditch from 12 June – 31 August 2025.
A compelling photographic journey exploring the intimate relationship between artist and instrument, Scale features super high-resolution, life-sized images of the 100 most famous guitars in the world underscored by candid, fascinating, intriguing and sometimes hilarious stories of their life, their owners and their incredible contribution to the history of music.
From Paul McCartney’s iconic Höfner bass to Dave Grohl’s Gibson Trini Lopez, Keith Urban’s treasured Fender Broadcaster, Joan Jett’s gig worn Melody Maker, Kevin Parker’s psychedelic Rickenbacker, one of Ed Sheeran’s signature loop-pedal acoustic’s – the Scale Photography Exhibition brings you stunning, high-detail photographs of the world’s most iconic guitars up close like you’ve never seen them before.
Other featured artists include Jack White, Kirk Hammett, Noel Gallagher, Chrissie Hynde, Johnny Marr, Nile Rodgers, Courtney Barnett and many, many more.
Scale is the brainchild of multi award-winning Australian music photographer Kane Hibberd who has spent the last eleven years travelling the globe asking iconic guitarists to share the innermost secrets of their favourite guitar. Strictly one per artist – their most cherished piece – world famous names, rock gods, up-and-comers, punks and misfits have answered the call and invited Kane to photograph their precious instruments in life-size detail, front and back- 1:1 – at scale.
“This has been an incredible journey, a real labour of love. A lot of photography work now is created and consumed within a short amount of time. I wanted to work on something that takes years, rather than days or weeks,” says Hibberd, relieved to be speaking candidly after years of secrecy.
“The amazing people I’ve met, the stories I’ve heard and the locations I’ve wound up at has been an absolute odyssey and I’m so glad to be finally sharing it with the world.
“I’ve had this idea since 2011. It took a long time. It wasn’t easy but nothing worthwhile comes easy!”
Each photograph is paired with the fascinating story behind the instrument. Hear the story of where it came from and why it matters, almost as if the guitars could talk. Whether you’re a guitarist, a music fan, or a lover of fine photography, this exhibition offers a rare and intimate perspective on the instruments that shaped modern music.
Setting out to capture the chips, cracks, scratches and character of instruments that shaped modern music, Hibberd decided to undertake the project painstakingly offline. Nothing of his work or considerable adventures has been shared for eleven years, with the result being an awe-inspiring and impactful final exhibition.