“I can’t recall anyone at Picture Post Magazine mentioning the ethics of photo journalism. It was just understood, a code of behavior which reflected the seriousness of the magazine”
~ Thurston Hopkins
(1913-2014)
“This Royal Throne of Kings, this sceptered isle,
This earth of majesty this seat of Mars,
This other Eden, demi paradise
This fortress built by Nature for herself
Against infection and the hand of war
This happy breed of men, this little world
This precious stone set in a silver sea
Which serves it in the office of a wall
Or as a moat defensive to a house
Against the envy of less happier lands
This blessed plot, this earth
This realm, This England”
~ William Shakespeare
(Richard II)
Like in the USA with Life Magazine before the invent of the internet, people in England found out much of what was going on visually in the world through the magazine Picture Post. In its heyday it was selling over 1,700,000 copies a week. Thurston was one of its most talented and celebrated photographers. What a wonderful man he was, always positive and full of life. I think this attitude gave him reason to live to 101 years old, an inspiration to us all. The English are often a wonderful group of eccentrics and I’m so happy I was born there. “England Made Me” as they say. Here he captures the after math of a coming out debutante party with the honored hostess taking a much needed break with her adoring beau. Everyone probably had too much to drink as I’m sure they will also at the Coronation festivities. Photo London opens next week and I am so looking forward to it.
