PHOTOGRAPHER SIR SIMON MARSDEN DIES
Renowned photographer Sir Simon Marsden, who specialised in gritty black and white images of subjects including mystical landscapes, Gothic graveyards and old ruins, has died aged 63.
Simon first developed an interest in photography when his father, a keen landscape photographer, gave him a Leica for his 21st birthday.
'I instantly became hooked on photography. What intrigued me most was the magic of time and light and the enigma of "reality" that these elements conjured up.'
Gray Levett, co-founder of Nikon camera dealer Grays of Westminster, paid tribute to the photographer, who he described as a good friend. The pair first met in 1992 when Simon called into his store, which is based in Pimlico, London.
Gray was a big fan of the photographer's work. Gray told AP: 'He was completely unique as a photographer... I like his pictures of stone circles and ruined castles and some of his photographs of landscapes and buildings are hauntingly beautiful. Simon created his own world and had a lot of followers. He had an eye, but was also a gifted writer.'
Gray's comments were echoed by Andrew Skirrow, whose company designed and built the photographer's website. 'I believe he was one of the most collected photographers on the planet,' said Andrew.
'Photography was, for Simon, beyond just taking pictures. He was very into the art and communication aspects. He also felt passionately about how the rapid march of technology was not helping people to communicate face-to-face with each other.'
Simon shunned digital cameras and was a devotee of the Nikkormat FTn and FT2 cameras added, Gray. 'I believe he was the largest user of infrared film in the world.'
Speaking about his interest in 'supernatural', Simon wrote: 'From the very beginning of recorded time all the great civilisations of our world have believed in ghosts and the supernatural in some form or other. 'These are ancient mysteries and to dismiss them is to deny ourselves that arcane knowledge of the past that has ultimately fashioned our lives.'
To view Simon's work visit: www.simonmarsden.co.uk
From an article in Amateur Photographer magazine, 24 February 2012. This is an edited version.
Footnote: I first became aware of his photography when studying at Hull College in 1995. I came across one of his books: "The Haunted Realm: ghosts, witches and other strange tales (1986). In my own personal opinion his photographic prints are exceptional, a very talented photographer and darkroom printer. You only have to visit his website to view his portfolio to realise that he was very gifted individual. 'I was sad to hear of his passing, I admired his photography'.
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