Bill has paid tribute to British photography legend Terry O’Neill CBE, famed for his iconic images capturing celebrities, fashions and the culture of the 1960s.
Terry received a CBE for his services to photography this year, and he is known for his photos of the Rolling Stones, Elton John and David Bowie. His photos include Bridget Bardot in 1971 with a cigar clenched between her teeth, and a smiling photo of the Queen after he got her to crack a grin by telling her a horse-racing joke.
Terry sadly passed away on November 17 following a long illness.
Bill says:
Terry was a great friend that I first met at the Rolling Stones photo sessions he shot of us in 1964, and who, over the years took many great photos of myself for numerous projects.
We stayed close, meeting up regularly with mutual friends in London, the South of France, and occasionally in the USA.
Over the last few years, we have enjoyed regular lunches together, and Terry was instrumental in helping to organise photo sessions for me, and to recommend the creation of my book of Stones photos to be published shortly.
Terry was a man who was well-loved by all who got to know him, and I was so thrilled that he was awarded the CBE shortly before his death.
During those last few days I saw him, with his bright sparkly eyes, and still as humorous as ever.
I will miss Terry enormously – he was a true friend that encouraged me to step a little way into his world of wonderful photography.