William Eggleston

digital virgin

interview by GLENN O’BRIEN
portraits by TERRY RICHARDSON

All works by William Eggleston, from The Democratic Forest, c. 1983-1986, copyright Eggleston Artistic Trust, courtesy of David Zwirner, New York/London

I visited the legendary photographer William Eggleston at the Bowery Hotel in New York. Terry Richardson was just finishing up his portrait sitting, amusing Eggleston — very elegant in a crisp white shirt and cravat — with his multiple shots. I set up my recorder opposite him, but then he gestured for me to come sit next to him on a love seat. He exudes great charm. It was almost romantic. It was less an interview than an audience. The first time I interviewed him, it had been a hilarious three-way with Stephen Shore, which brought the full house down at Cooper Union. Eggleston is a laconic charmer and though this was a brief talk, it was delightful.

WILLIAM…