Thurston Hopkins was one of the few surviving photographers from what came to be referred to as the “golden age” of reportage. Arguably it was his background in fine art and illustration that meant he saw the world as much through the sensibility of a brush as a lens. This, combined with his sensitivity towards his subjects, meant that he was destined to become a star of Picture Post.
As friends for nearly 30 years, he and I often wrote to each other – on life, the universe and everything, not just photography – and his letters were a work of art in themselves. Composed on a battered manual typewriter with various letters missing, they would be awash with handwritten additions, Tipp-Ex and notes in the margins, and were often hilarious, whether intentionally or otherwise. Thurston had many ways of bringing his gift for connecting with people into play.
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