Natalie Curtis was a baby when the tormented musician hanged himself and only knew her dad through pictures in rock magazines and on record sleeves.
Now aged 25, Natalie has launched a creative career of her own as a photographer after studying art and design at Manchester Metropolitan University.
She said: "Photographs of Joy Division probably had more effect on me than anything else, especially those by Kevin Cummins and Anton Corbijn.
"Kevin's pictures were really beautiful. He took some early shots of Joy Division rehearsing. And Anton Corbijn photographed them in a tube station around the same time. "Quite a few people photographed Joy Division, but these photographs really stick in my memory."
Kevin Cummins' work regularly appeared in NME during the 1970s, while Anton Corbijn's other work included early record sleeves for U2.
Ian Curtis was born and raised in Macclesfield, marrying his wife Deborah before he joined Joy Division.
The band released two critically acclaimed LPs and four singles and were on the verge of international stardom when Curtis, who suffered from depression and epilepsy, hanged himself in 1980.
His suicide came just before his 24th birthday. Natalie, who was then a one-year-old baby, was raised by her mother in Macclesfield.
She attended Henbury High School and Macclesfield College before moving to Manchester where she now lives.
She added: "I grew up with all the publicity surrounding my dad and didn't know anything different. That had its ups-and-downs, but I suppose I've become used to it. I'm really proud of Joy Division's music. I think it's great stuff. And it's lovely that people are still listening to it. I like lots of Joy Division records myself, especially Closer.
"But I'm not musical. I tried playing piano as a kid but I'm really bad." Tweet
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What a courageous girl! I'd love to meet her. Joy Division are one of the biggest bands of all-time. Wish you all the best, Natalie.
Gee... I still remember when I used to get stunned while reading about that little baby, daughter of that great Ian Curtis.
Now I'm 37 and it's stunning again to see that that little baby became a 25 y.o. gal.
Natalie, it doesn't matter if you think you are not "musical" ... the MUSIC is inside of you; how couldn't it be???
Best wishes Natalie.
Sincerely,
Mirco
Its fascinating to hear how those who were left behind after Ian's tragic demise have got on with a 'normal' life.Well done Natalie, I'm so glad you like the music.
genius is a great thing. it knows no boundaries, it cannot be stopped and it always finds somewhere to flourish. it doesnt matter that you're not musical... its all just about creativity,inspiration and passion. And every manc knows thats what this city is about. passion. Ian was the greatest example of that. i think every serious artist, graphic designer, photgrapher and musician owes something to ian and joy division, for being an important part of making the city what it is today.
Ian Curtis is such an icon and has touched so many people with his music and will continue to influence the music industry for years to come.
I wish Natalie just as much success with her photography and hope that she too can connect with as many people through her future work.
i was interested to see what kind of person she had become! my daughter is set to play the part of natalie in the new film 'control'
Having once been a fan of Joy Division's I thought it somewhat tragic that the lone child of Ian and Deborah Curtis would be left fatherless due to suicide. However, after reading a handful of bios on (miss/mrs/ms) Natalie Curtis, and seeing how well she turned out, my faith - especially in miracles - is again bolstered. God bless to the ladies Curtis!
THE BEST WISHES FROM GERMANY AND FOR YOUR FUTURE I¿¿M SO SORRY THE MUSIC FROM FROM IAN (JOY DIVISON) WAS SO NICE!!!!
THE BEST
MICHAEL
Have a nice life Natalie!
Im very happy to find out what natalie is doing. im actually reading Deborahs book "Touching From the Inside" thats how Ive got into this article.
I just wish you can submit the message to natalie and tell her how important Ian and Joy Division has been in my life. They´ve created a hole new circuit. I just wish her good luck with her photograhpy, if she is as talented as her father and mother (her writing is great), she´s gonna be something big.
God Bless you, god belss Ian and Joy Division.