“Nivea — Now in Tubs” — Michael Joseph London, mid-1980s — unique colour print, signed by the photographer A luminous and unexpectedly tranquil photograph from Michael Joseph’s mid-1980s commercial work, this image stands in captivating contrast to the exuberant mayhem he is famously associated with. Known for orchestrating vast, chaotic tableaux — from his legendary Beggars Banquet shoot with the Rolling Stones to the riotous crowd scenes of his award-winning advertising campaigns — Joseph had an uncanny ability to choreograph disorder with cinematic flair. Yet here, he pares everything back. Nivea — Now in Tubs presents a moment of pure quiet. A young woman — chosen unmistakably for her classical beauty and serene presence — stands in soft bathroom light, her body loosely wrapped, her gaze lowered in gentle introspection. The cool, marble-like backdrop and the elegant simplicity of her pose replace Joseph’s usual visual pandemonium with something meditative, almost devotional. The effect is immediate and intimate: you feel as though you’ve stepped quietly into the bathroom with her — a shared, Zen-like pause before the world rushes back in. This is Joseph working with restraint and grace, revealing a sensitivity often overshadowed by the grand theatricality of his group compositions. It shows the same masterful eye for shape and human presence, but distilled into a single, luminous figure. Michael Joseph (b. 1941) built his reputation as one of Britain’s most imaginative photographers, weaving humour, drama, and character into scenes that became cultural touchstones. His work has appeared in major international campaigns, on album covers, and in numerous exhibitions; his ability to direct people — whether a cast of hundreds or a single poised subject — remains one of his defining gifts. Signed in the margin, this unique blue-toned c-type print carries all the tactile richness and atmospheric depth of analogue photography. The cool tonal palette gives it a sculptural calm, while the soft grain anchors it unmistakably in its era. A rare, intimate counterpoint to Joseph’s famed visual chaos — quiet, sensual, and exquisitely composed. As always, it will be packaged with great care and devotion, honouring its history and ensuring it arrives safely in its next home.