I’ve collected photos since the 60’s – my homes are full of them – heroes / icons of my youth – along with views of my hometown, my roots and my favourite place (The Lakes). My two favourite Lakeland photographers are Old Lancastrian Jon Sparks and Cumbrian legend Phil Rigby – both of whom are totally in tune with the character and ebb and flow of life in Cumbria, Lancashire and The Lakes.
Jon has just published Lancashire in Photographs, a beautiful collection of images which captures the diversity of my home Red Rose County. And Phil has just published Portrait of Cumbria, Life and Landscape – curated by Cumbria Life’s visionary editor (and Phil’s mate) Richard Eccles.
These books are a must for Lancastrians / Cumbrians all over the world.
Why am I telling you this?
Because Phil retired last week as Picture Editor of all CN Group’s magazines – 30 years on. He shot both my Grasmere homes and became part of the ‘Family’, so connected was he to our homes and our ideas; the photos he took were a visualisation of our dreams. A special man with a special eye and a special gift.
Cumbria will be poorer without him interpreting and sharing it. But I understand via the Cumbrian grapevine that he’ll continue as a freelancer taking photos for Cumbria Life.
I hope that’s true.
Keep Going Phil.
KR
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