Far from a paparazzi, photographer Robert Rosen was considered an "astute observer" of celebrities in Australia in the 1970s–90s. He spent decades documenting parties, concerts, fashion events and nightclubs across London, Europe and Australia. Through his networks, he was able to capture intimate portraits of the rich and famous, many of which have appeared in local and international publications throughout the past 40 years.

His spontaneous photographs capture the likes of David Bowie, Andy Warhol, Cate Blanchett, Bob Hawke, Paul McCartney, Boy George and Dame Edna Everage — to name a few. And from August, you'll be able to see Rosen's social photography on full display in Robert Rosen: Glitterati, premiering at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney.

Image: Paul & Linda McCartney, Abbey Rd Studios, London, 1982. Photograph: Robert Rosen