8 Famous Artists Who Tried To Destroy Their Own Art

2. Brian Duffy

Brian Duffy was an English photographer responsible for taking some of pop culture's most iconic portraits. Close your eyes and picture David Bowie's striking Ziggy Stardust: captured by Brian Duffy. Other snaps include John Lennon, 60s beauty Twiggy and acclaimed writer William Burroughs. His photography contributed to defining the culture of the 1960s and 70s. Disillusioned by his career's increasing commercialisation, Duffy took to his garden and began a celluloid-fuelled bonfire, vowing to never take another photo again in his life (which he actually didn't). Hilariously, it's also reported that the specific trigger for this destructive outburst was a question about toilet paper - a member of staff asked where he kept the spare loo roll. Fortunately for photography-lovers, his neighbours complained about the stench and thick smoke. The police were called and a large amount of his work was saved.