UK based photographers and film makers, Drew Gardner and Lucinda Marland, have spent the past two years completing an anthology of every British Olympic gold medallist in an individual sport, 60 years or older in 2012. The body of work showcases the sporting legacy this country already has, setting the stage for today’s athletes and future stars of the Games.
The pair travelled over 15,000 miles across the UK and as far as the west coast of America to interview, photograph and film all 14 athletes, creating a unique and historical record of some of our greatest sporting heroes.
The photographs depict the athletes in locations that are important to them and where possible, give some relevance to their chosen discipline. The short films are a mix of then and now giving further insight into their personalities, the era when they won and their life experiences. Drew Gardner said ‘The inspiration for the project came from childhood recollections of ‘Golden Greats’ and wondering where they were now. The project has been incredibly rewarding and so well supported by the athletes and the sponsors.’
The exhibition opens on Friday 9th March – 20th March in the Stadium Suite, 3rd floor, John Lewis, Westfield Stratford City, London E20 1EL. It’s the perfect setting with spectacular floor to ceiling panoramic views of the Olympic stadiums.
The exhibition is sponsored by Manfrotto, the Italian camera and lighting support specialists. It is hosted by John Lewis Stratford City and printed on Canon ImagePROGRAF printers. A small number of the portraits in the exhibition will be signed by the athlete and donated to Age UK to auction at a later date. Proceeds will help Age UK to improve later life, such as local health and wellbeing activities giving older people the chance to keep active, healthy and make new friends.
Press are invited to attend the press event on Saturday 10th March at 10am. Ann Packer, Olympic Gold medallist in the 800m in Tokyo 1964 will also be available for interview and photographs.