The Rolling Stones used Mankowitz's work on their albums

Gered Mankowitz was still a teenager when he started photographing acts like the Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix.

Over the past four decades, his work has captured rock stars ranging from Elton John to Duran Duran and Oasis.

Fifty of his pictures are on display at Erddig Hall at Wrexham. The National Trust said it wants to show heritage is about more than just bricks and mortar.

Erddig Hall is best known as a superb example of the "upstairs, downstairs" life of Britain's landed gentry in the 18th and 19th Century.

The quality of its 18th Century walled garden is matched by the furniture and other treasures in the mansion house, established in 1687.

The National Trust wants to bring more life to its heritage properties

But until 21 June it is also offering a more modern take on cultural heritage, a photographic exhibition of famous, mostly British, rock'n'roll stars.

The pictures were all taken by Mankowitz who, in 60s London, met a young Marianne Faithfull and through her was introduced to the world of music photography.

Mankowitz has been dubbed the official photographer to the stars for his pictures documenting some of the best-known names in rock and pop.

'Celebrities of the time'

They range from the 60s with bands like the Rolling Stones, Small Faces and the Yardbirds, through the 70s (Slade, Suzi Quatro, Sweet) and 80s (Eurythmics, Elton John) to the 90s (Oasis, Verve, Catatonia).

He has welcomed the chance to put them on display at Erddig Hall, alongside more traditional images of the cultural past.

After a preview of the display, he said: "There were a couple of gentle comments about the curious juxtaposition of the rock and roll icons and the National Trust house.

"People see this as a rather complementary marriage.

"The National Trust's objective is not just to maintain these houses but to make them live.

"In their day, there would have seen the celebrities of the time visiting them, so the photographs sit very well."

Erddig Hall manager Jamie Watson said the National Trust was determined to show that heritage sites could also refer to more contemporary culture.

He said: "We see a place for photographs like these at Erddig Hall. We want to do more of this sort of thing."