Stephen Markeson
Sunday 28th September 10.00
Stephen Markeson was a leading photojournalist on the staff of pre-eminent national newspapers between 1963 and 1994 covering assignments that included war zones, international leaders, royalty, celebrities, travel, and stories of human interest. He left school at 15 with no qualifications, starting out as a post-room messenger for The Times. He then worked as assistant to a leading show business photographer. He progressed through local papers and news agencies and went on to become the youngest press photographer in Fleet Street at 19. His career included working for The Daily Herald and News International, eventually becoming a senior staff photojournalist for The Times. He was present at many important historical events, producing iconic and memorable images.
The stories behind the pictures – Images and anecdotes that give a tantalising glimpse of the danger and glamour, tragedy and celebrity, seen through the lens of a talented photographer for whom every day was different and every frame counted. Stephen has compiled an intriguing collection of stories and images from the golden era of Fleet Street, when budgets were limitless, deadlines were tight and getting the film from the camera to the darkroom was often a challenge in itself. His determination saw him rise from messenger boy at The Times to the top of his profession as senior staff photojournalist for that paper, and his resourcefulness is apparent in many of the notes that accompany his iconic photographs. His life was far from ordinary,