Saturday 28 May 2011

Sussex Photography: Meeting the Legend that is Sir Stirling Moss

Thursday evening saw me working for Haynes, in Maidstone. The occasion was their celebration of 100 years of being a Ford dealership. Quite and achievement, especially in these very troubled days!

The brief was to cover a few photo calls and then to document the event for their company history.

At this stage i should thank my friends at the amazing Super Event for recommending my photography to Haynes in the first place. Owned and run by Tony Brewin they are one of the best event, marquee and catering companies in the UK today!

I was greeted by Andrew Haynes, The Chairman and Managing Director of the Group and to my surprise was informed that the guest of honour was one of my all-time heroes and living legend, Sir Stirling Moss.

Sir Stirling Moss and Andrew Haynes in the Model T Ford

Peter Prior Photography,Art Visage,Sussex PR Photography,Sussex Photography,Sussex Documentary Photography,Sir Stirling Moss,Haynes Ford,Ford UK,KM Group,Kent PR Photography,Black and white photography

On his arrival, i was invited up to the boardroom, along with Ruth, a photographer from the KM Group, to cover the brief "press call". I was amazed at how relaxed, ego-free, friendly and open Sir Stirling was! Here was i chatting on 1-2-1 with a genuinely awesome man and i have to admit that it was a struggle to remain professional for a second.

Checking out some historical photos in the boardroom.

Peter Prior Photography,Art Visage,Sussex PR Photography,Sussex Photography,Sussex Documentary Photography,Sir Stirling Moss,Haynes Ford,Ford UK,KM Group,Kent PR Photography,Black and white photography

Then it was back downstairs to the main showroom, where invited guests and dignitaries had gathered for drinks and canapés whilst mingling amongst a superb collection of Fords from all decades of the company's car production life. Highlight of the show was a 1910 Model T Ford that was still working condition.

After plenty of time for the guests to enjoy the party, a few low key speeches followed and then one lucky guest won the competition for a lap of the Maidstone one-way system as a passenger in the Model T.

Here are a few favourite images of Sir Stirling Moss, a true gentleman and superstar!

Sir and Lady Moss enjoying the party.

Peter Prior Photography,Art Visage,Sussex PR Photography,Sussex Photography,Sussex Documentary Photography,Sir Stirling Moss,Haynes Ford,Ford UK,KM Group,Kent PR Photography,Black and white photography

Andrew Haynes presenting Sir Stirling, a very close family friend, with a thank you gift.

Peter Prior Photography,Art Visage,Sussex PR Photography,Sussex Photography,Sussex Documentary Photography,Sir Stirling Moss,Haynes Ford,Ford UK,KM Group,Kent PR Photography,Black and white photography

Peter Prior Photography,Art Visage,Sussex PR Photography,Sussex Photography,Sussex Documentary Photography,Sir Stirling Moss,Haynes Ford,Ford UK,KM Group,Kent PR Photography,Black and white photography

Finally a quick shot of me with the great man taken by Ruth from the KM Groups.

Peter Prior Photography,Art Visage,Sussex PR Photography,Sussex Photography,Sussex Documentary Photography,Sir Stirling Moss,Haynes Ford,Ford UK,KM Group,Kent PR Photography,Black and white photography

You can read about the amazing history of Haynes here.

View my Wedding Portfolio here.

View my Portraits and Commercial Photography here.

2 comments:

  1. Your words are just too kind Peter!! Great evening much enjoyed by all. Worked on this job myself, as you know, and the feed back from my own staff all night was pretty much "nice people, nice people, nice people" As we all know, it's always great to work with nice people.

    Haynes Ford celebrating one hundred years, let's cut to the chase Peter, they must be doing something very right!. Some firms don't make one hundred days let alone one hundred years. One hundred years, something staff at Haynes Ford should all be very proud of indeed.

    Congratulations to all the staff at Haynes Ford.

    Always great to work with you Peter. We recommend you for one reason, and one reason only. Your as good as they get.

    Cheers Peter, keep up the good work.

    Tony Brewin.
    Managing Director.
    Super Event.

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  2. Excellent set of images Pete, would have loved to meet and 'shoot' him myself. Well done.
    Nigel

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