Tommy Hindley

Thomas Valentine Hindley (born June 20, 1947 in Hackney ; † September 18, 2013 ), called Tommy Hindley , was an English sports photographer . He became known for his pictures of Grand Slam tennis tournaments . He took photos at the Olympic Games from 1980 to 2012. He also regularly took part as a photo reporter at soccer world championships . His pictures have appeared in the Guardian , the Observer, and many other publications. A permanent exhibition of his paintings can be seen at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club .

Life

Tommy Hindley was the only child of Thomas and Catherine Hindley. As a child, according to his own words, he had to fend for himself. His father had tuberculosis and his mother had to work long hours in the textile factory to support the family. He learned early on to assert himself - on the football field and against the youth gangs from neighboring Tottenham . He later asserted himself against stars like John McEnroe . When he kicked one of his lenses at the 1983 French Open , Hindley yelled at him: “You cannot be serious, John!” - “You can't be serious, John!”

After completing his education at Lordship Lane secondary modern school , Hindley worked as a messenger at newspaper houses on Fleet Street . One day he boldly asked about work as a photographer in one of the editorial offices. He was politely told to come back when he was able to. He took evening classes at the London College of Printing , now the London College of Communication . His partner Jan, who had a well-paid job in the city, paid for his expenses and drove him to his appointments in her Mini . In the 1970s he got his first orders from the major English newspapers, including the Guardian. He soon became famous for personally submitting his pictures of local sporting events at night, just before the editorial deadline. Outside on the street his partner was waiting in the Mini with the engine running and driving him from press house to press house. In 1981 the couple married.

He was Tottenham Hotspur's official photographer for some time before freelancing for the Observer . In 1977 he founded his own agency Professional Sport ; it has since won many prizes. He secured high-value contracts with the Lawn Tennis Association and the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club .

His poignant picture of the Hillsborough disaster in 1989, which showed the victims lined up on the lawn , became famous . It appeared on the front page of the Observer the following day . At the 1996 Olympics , his shot of British gold medalist Kelly Holmes appeared on the front pages of many newspapers. Another highlight in his professional life was the 2012 Olympic Games in his hometown of London. High-profile pictures of him from this event also appeared in the newspapers.

Tommy Hindley died of a brain tumor on September 18, 2013 . He left behind his wife Jan and their children Julia, Faye, and Giles.

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Quoted from The Guardian

Web links

• Internet presence of Tommy Hindley's agency Professional Sport
• Eamonn McCabe: Tommy Hindley Obituary , The Guardian, Oct. 14, 2013, p. 32, accessed online Oct. 15, 2013
• Obituary of Sports Journalist's Association