Derek Jarman: The Authorised Biography

Tony Peake enjoyed unprecedented access to the visionary artist’s archives in order to bring the extraordinary life of Derek Jarman to the page.

This authorised and unique biography covers Jarman’s story from the bleakness of post-war Britain and his RAF childhood, to student life at The Slade and his work as a designer, painter and filmmaker. It tells how energetic home filmmaking with dazzling friends led to distinctive feature films including Sebastiane, The Tempest, and Caravaggio. There were collaborations with the likes of Sir John Gielgud and Tilda Swinton and Jarman was also at the forefront of popular culture, producing distinctive music videos for Pet Shop Boys and The Smiths.

Alongside his art and a significant body of writing, Jarman created a singular garden in the shingle surrounding Prospect Cottage at Dungeness in Kent, which has become a site of memorial, celebration and pilgrimage. He became known as an impassioned and provocative spokesperson not only for gay men, but for anyone oppressed by bigotry.

Derek Jarman died of AIDS-related causes in February 1994 and Peake describes his inimitable courage and grace in the face of painful death, and the legacies Jarman left behind.

With new contributions from Olivia Laing and Jon Savage.