The Scot who famously snapped The Beatles as they greeted their American fans for the first time is putting himself 'under the hammer' to help an old colleague.
Harry Benson has agreed to a lunch date with whoever donates the most to support fellow photographer, Derek Blair, who was grievously injured in a car crash late last year.
The pair met three years ago when Blair was sent to snap Benson as part of a feature for the Daily Record, his employer before he turned freelance soon after.
Both photographers distinguished themselves with their work on US presidents, with Benson having snapped every one since Eisenhower – who served from 1953 to 1961 – and Blair covering the election of Barack Obama for the Telegraph Group.
Glasgow-born Benson’s work has graced the covers of Time, People and Vanity Fair over a career spanning five decades, and is responsible for such iconic photos as Elizabeth Taylor, after receiving brain surgery, and a hotel room pillow fight among The Beatles.
The lunch will be taking place at arguably Glasgow's most famous eaterie: The Rogano.
The auction, organised by the Scottish Press Photographers Association, will remain open for bids until 11.59pm a week on Friday and is one of a number of events that aims to support Blair.
A charity golfing match and raffle back in April raised over £1,600 for his cause, and there will be further auctions of as yet unnanounced items over the coming weeks and months.
To support Derek by making a bid, click here.
To make a donation, contact Kenny Smith at kennypix@aol.com or on 07809 450119.
