Framed in Sound – Selected Works of Tony Mott
Tuesday 4 August - Sunday 18 October 2026
10am – 5pm
For more than four decades, Tony Mott has stood at the intersection of music, culture and photography, documenting the artists, performances and moments that have shaped generations of music lovers.
Widely regarded as Australia’s most celebrated rock and roll photographer, Mott has built an extraordinary body of work that spans intimate backstage encounters, iconic portraiture and electrifying live performances. His lens has captured everyone from the Rolling Stones, Avril Lavigne and Queen to the emerging artists and independent bands that form the heartbeat of Australia’s music scene including Newcastle.
Framed in Sound – Selected Works of Tony Mott presents a curated journey through this remarkable career, showcasing photographs that are as much about human connection as they are about music. Mott’s images reveal the personalities behind the legends, preserving fleeting moments of vulnerability, charisma, intensity and joy. Whether photographing a global superstar before a sold-out arena or a local musician on the cusp of discovery, his work is distinguished by an authenticity that places viewers at the centre of the experience.
With more than 30,000 photographs published across 20 countries and images appearing on over 400 posters, 500 album covers and more than 900 magazine covers, Mott’s influence on music photography is unparalleled.
This exhibition celebrates not only a master photographer, but also the enduring power of music to inspire, unite and define cultural moments. Framed in Sound offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience the history of contemporary music through the eyes of the photographer who was so often invited behind the curtain to witness it.
Newcastle Museum is supported by Create NSW.
Widely regarded as Australia’s most celebrated rock and roll photographer, Mott has built an extraordinary body of work that spans intimate backstage encounters, iconic portraiture and electrifying live performances. His lens has captured everyone from the Rolling Stones, Avril Lavigne and Queen to the emerging artists and independent bands that form the heartbeat of Australia’s music scene including Newcastle.
Framed in Sound – Selected Works of Tony Mott presents a curated journey through this remarkable career, showcasing photographs that are as much about human connection as they are about music. Mott’s images reveal the personalities behind the legends, preserving fleeting moments of vulnerability, charisma, intensity and joy. Whether photographing a global superstar before a sold-out arena or a local musician on the cusp of discovery, his work is distinguished by an authenticity that places viewers at the centre of the experience.
With more than 30,000 photographs published across 20 countries and images appearing on over 400 posters, 500 album covers and more than 900 magazine covers, Mott’s influence on music photography is unparalleled.
This exhibition celebrates not only a master photographer, but also the enduring power of music to inspire, unite and define cultural moments. Framed in Sound offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience the history of contemporary music through the eyes of the photographer who was so often invited behind the curtain to witness it.
Newcastle Museum is supported by Create NSW.
