MAX Patrick Doyle

Limited edition large-format paperback with loop binding. MAX collects photographs, video stills and text by Patrick Doyle.

In 2016, Patrick Doyle moved from the UK to Los Angeles to start a new life with Max Padilla, who later became his husband. After Padilla’s death in 2017, Doyle put together a photography book in tribute to his partner. After Doyle’s death in early 2018, Makina Books worked with Marion Herbain (Veronica Falls) to finish the publication.

MAX is a vivid glimpse of Doyle and Padilla’s lives together, shot in and around the couple’s Silver Lake home by Doyle on 35mm analogue film. Doyle’s eye for capturing the magic of everyday moments makes the images come alive with a sense of fun and warmth. While Doyle doesn’t appear in the photographs, there’s an unmistakable sense of his presence throughout, whether in Padilla’s sly smile, Doyle’s can of beer that’s been briefly abandoned to take a photograph, or the boner in Padilla’s boxer shorts. The book celebrates gay intimacy and sexuality, and is a poignant look at the lives of two beloved people who are gone too soon.

The book was launched with an exhibition on 4th September 2018 at The White Cubicle Toilet Gallery with Patience and Helen Skinner playing records.

Patrick Doyle was a musician born in Scotland, who played in bands including Veronica Falls, Correcto and The Royal We. He made solo music as Boys Forever and Basic Plumbing. The Guardian recognised him as ‘a one-man greatest hits collection.’ He died at age 32, in March 2018.

Max Padilla was an LA-based publicist and journalist, whose writing appeared in publications including The Los Angeles Times and WWD. He died in September 2017.