Gerry Cranham: Golden Age Rugby Photos & Obituary of a Sports Photography Pioneer

A recently unearthed collection of photographs offers a glimpse into what many consider a golden age of rugby, captured through the lens of Gerry Cranham, a photographer widely regarded as one of the greats. The images, shared exclusively with Telegraph Sport, provide a unique perspective on the sport during the 1960s and 1970s.

Cranham, who passed away in October 2023 at the age of 94, didn’t merely document the game; he elevated sports photography to an art form. His work transcended simple reportage, revealing “human endeavour and the poetry of motion” through his composition and framing. He was only the second photographer – following Henri Cartier-Bresson – to be granted a solo exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum, a testament to the artistic merit of his work.

Born in Hampshire, England, on February 1, 1929, Cranham initially pursued a career as a middle-distance runner before an injury redirected his path towards photography. He quickly established himself as a pioneering figure in sports photography throughout the 20th century, becoming known for his innovative techniques and ability to capture the essence of athletic competition.

The newly released photographs offer a fascinating look at the Five Nations Championship, a precursor to the modern Six Nations. Many of the images were taken not from the sidelines, but from the terraces, offering a fan’s-eye view of the action. This perspective provides a sense of immersion, capturing the atmosphere and energy of the matches.

The collection also reveals details about the fan experience of the era. A photograph depicts France supporters arriving at a match armed with oysters and Muscadet wine, contrasting with their English counterparts who favored cans of Watneys Party Four. This detail highlights the cultural differences and traditions surrounding the sport at the time.

One of the oldest photographs in the collection, dated to 1967, captures Dave Rollitt, the England No. 8, receiving attention from the medical staff during a match against Wales in Cardiff. England lost the match, but the image serves as a reminder of the physical demands of the game.

Cranham was an early adopter of color film in sports photography, and was one of only three photographers to shoot the 1966 World Cup final in color. He also experimented with techniques like zoom burst and underwater photography, pushing the boundaries of the medium. However, his innate talent remained the defining characteristic of his work.

His ability to capture compelling images extended beyond rugby and football. He photographed a diverse range of sports and athletes, including Muhammad Ali, Olga Korbut, Billie-Jean King, Lester Piggott, and Arnold Palmer. He produced magazine features and was published in publications such as Sports Illustrated and The Times.

Cranham’s work wasn’t limited to action shots. He also had a knack for capturing candid moments that revealed the human side of sports. His photograph of diners in a velodrome in Antwerp, with cyclists speeding by, was celebrated as a “paean to the modern-day ‘place of worship’” and is now part of the V&A museum’s permanent collection.

The legacy of Gerry Cranham extends beyond his impressive body of work. He paved the way for future generations of sports photographers, demonstrating the power of photography to capture not only the action, but also the emotion, beauty, and cultural significance of sports. His pioneering spirit and artistic vision continue to inspire photographers today.

Cranham’s passing in October 2023 marked the loss of a true icon in the world of sports photography, but his images will continue to resonate with fans and photographers alike for years to come. The release of these previously unseen photographs serves as a fitting tribute to his remarkable career and enduring legacy.