Unlike Mapplethorpe, Wood was not part of the leather subculture. He was introduced to it by a former partner, and most subjects were connected to that partner.
"They kept nagging me to photograph them, so I thought: 'Why not?'" Wood recalled.
Despite the fetish clothing and nudity, the portraits do not feel pornographic. "There was nothing sexual about taking the photographs," Wood said.
"There are images of naked guys in various poses that are quite erotic, but no erections or anything like that."
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The images exude intimacy and playfulness. One photograph, 'Roberto and Andrew,' shows a couple embracing as one tickles the other's nipples.
Another, 'Stephen (1996/2026),' depicts a man bending over to tie his boot, offering a view that is both vulnerable and powerful.
Wood's day job was far removed from this world.
He worked in the sound department at BBC Scotland in the 1970s and later as an engineer with British Telecom.
He took freelance commercial photography jobs but never exhibited until now.
Discovery and Curation
The catalyst for Wood's debut was Scottish artist and researcher Steven Grainger.
As part of his research into gay artists in 1980s and 1990s Glasgow, Grainger was introduced to Wood.
When invited to Wood's flat in January 2026, Grainger expected to see holiday photos. Instead, Wood brought out archive boxes—about 20 in total.
Grainger and Wood became close friends.
Grainger encouraged Wood to return to photography and, when an opening came at Celine gallery, curated the exhibition, distilling hundreds of images into a final selection of nine.
Grainger, who grew up during the Section 28 era, said the collaboration has been an education.
"Had I known about John when I started art school, I think my life would have been quite different," he said.
He discovered that even during the AIDS crisis, gay men in Glasgow lived full, interesting, and sexual lives.
Wood remains modest about his role. But he saw the beauty in that world and decided to capture it for posterity.
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The exhibition runs on Saturdays until 2 August at Celine, Glasgow.
