A COLLECTOR of iconic Hollywood images is hoping to recreate his hero’s photographic style with the help of men and women right here in York.

Chris Waite, from Pocklington, has collected portraits by American photographer George Hurrell for many years.

Hurrell shaped the images of movie stars from Clark Gable to Humphrey Bogart, Errol Flynn to Rita Hayworth, working for the MGM, Warner Bros and Columbia film studios in the 1930s and 1940s.

Driven by the desire to take his own pictures in the style of Hurrell, Chris approached friend and professional photographer Grahame Mellanby.

The pair have organised a photo-shoot at the Grand Opera House on March 15, and are appealing for three actors, actresses or models to photograph.

Grahame, of Frost Studios in Shambles, said: “I’ve known Chris for a while now and I’ve always been fascinated by his collection of Hollywood portraits.

“George Hurrell had a very particular style. His pictures are unique.

“Hurrell used equipment which no longer exists, so Chris and I will be trying to achieve the same style using modern technology. Chris will use a digital camera and I will use an old film camera.”

Hurrell’s portraits were heavily retouched by artists to create the appearance of perfection.

To create the same look, Grahame and Chris will use computer software with personally developed techniques, and advanced modern post-production.

Any men or women interested in being photographed should email a headshot to gtam@hollywoodproject.co.uk before March 10. Each model will receive a framed copy of their final photograph.

Grahame and Chris also require a hair stylist and make-up artist.

It is hoped that one or more portraits will be good enough to hang alongside Hurrell’s on Chris’s office wall.