In The News

Photographer Harry Goodwin passes away

Photographer Harry Goodwin passes away

THE death has taken place of Harry Goodwin who for many years was the resident photographer on the BBC’s Top of the Pops. He was 89.

During his time with the show he photographed some of pop music’s biggest names, including Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles.

He had first developed an interest in photography while serving in the RAF during the Second World War. After returning home to Manchester, Mr. Goodwin decided to become a professional photographer — working on the boxing circuit as well as at beauty pageants.

He was working at the BBC’s studios in Manchester in 1964 when the BBC launched Top of the Pops, basing the new show for its initial 12-week run in the city. The show’s producer Johnnie Stewart hired Mr. Goodwin to photograph the acts. He remained the show’s official photographer, with a credit at the end of each show, until 1973.

In recent years, his work had featured in a number of important exhibitions. These included My Generation: The Glory Years of British Rock — Photographs from Top of the Pops 1964-1973, which was staged at the Victoria & Albert Museum in 2010 and attracted more than 100,000 visitors (see below).

In 2007, Yoko Ono opened a permanent exhibition of Mr. Goodwin’s work, which included portraits of John Lennon, at Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport.

Away from the music world, Mr. Goodwin continued to show an interest in sport, including boxing. At one point he photographed a number of champions, including Muhammad Ali. A portrait of the Manchester United manager, Sir Matt Busby was used for his plaque at Old Trafford.

Mr. Goodwin was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the City of Manchester in 2009 (see below).

To view an archive interview with Mr. Goodwin, click here.

To see footage of Mr. Goodwin receiving his Lifetime Achievement Award, in 2009, click here.

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