The proud family of Brummie press photographer Niels McGuinness have opened up his photo album to show some of his amazing work spanning more than 40 years.
Neils worked for the Press Association, among other media outlets, and covered all the major events in Birmingham, including Princess Diana’s visit to St Mary’s Hospice, now called Birmingham Hospice, in Selly Park in 1993, Sofia Loren’s trip to West Midlands Safari Park and the time when comedian Norman Wisdom got a parking ticket while rehearsing for a Christmas panto at the Hippodrome.
Niels also covered major news events and was the only photographer at the scene of the Birmingham Pub Bombings. He died four years ago aged 79 and his granddaughter, Louisa, and widow, Gill, from Great Barr, have produced a book bringing his images back to life called M J Niels McGuinness Life of a Press Photographer: His Life, His Work, His Pictures. You can see it on Google here: Niels McGuinness Photographer book
Louisa said: “I’m so proud to be able to do this in Granddad’s honour. He was so dedicated to his work and we just wanted to show people how wonderful his photography is. I just wish he could be here to see it.”
1. Princess Margaret arrives at Birmingham Airport to tour the city in 1961
2. Princess Alexandra departs from her official visit to Birmingham Children’s Hospital
She opened the new extension in Francis Road, Edgbaston, in 1964.
3. Miss Sophia Loren, an Italian film actress, wears designer sunglasses while visiting West Midland Safari Park
4. Comedian Norman Wisdom is booked for parking in Birmingham during rehearsals for Turn Again Whittington at the Hippodrome. December 1978