Last evening a friend let me know the news that the brilliant New York Times photographer Bill Cunningham had died at the age of 87.
His photographs over the years have chronicled what all sorts of folks were wearing all over New York. Mr. Cunningham was a true gentleman whose city views were legendary. I am fortunate to have taken a few pictures of him, like the one above from an Easter Parade.
New York loved Bill Cunningham and we are going to miss him so much. I am glad to have had opportunities to chat with him over the years, and amused that he would always call me "young lady."
What a sweet post Frances...a lovely and charming man I can guess.
ReplyDeleteLove from Titti
Hoping that you will check out the link in my post to today's obituary in The New York Times. xo
DeleteHe was not a name I am familiar with but his charm is evident from your post Frances
ReplyDeleteGina, I've put a link to today's front page New York Times obituary in my post. It will tell you much about how wonderful Mr. Cunningham was...a true original. xo
DeleteI recently read an article about him. He had a good life.
ReplyDeleteDonna, I think that lots of folks will still sort of expect to see him with his camera at the intersection of 57th and Fifth Avenue. I'd also often see him at the Union Square farmers market. xo
DeleteI am going to miss his pictures and commentary. I loved his warm and bemused tone of voice.
ReplyDeleteYes, Shawn, his commentary was so dry, wise and amusing. xo
DeleteI read about his death today. The name seems familiar but since I do not read the Times I really don't know him'
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that you have met and been able to talk to him over the years.
A very lovely post on him.
cheers, parsnip and thehamish
Thank you parsnip. xo
DeleteI was sad to hear about this also. His photographs were wonderful. They always brought me joy and a feeling of how connected we all are. How great that you were able to talk to him and to see him on the streets doing his work. He was an artist of great integrity and vision.
ReplyDeleteWhat you say about Mr. Cunningham and his photography is so true, Carol. How we will miss him. xo
DeleteHi young Frances, sorry to read about the loss of a true gent. x
ReplyDeleteVal, you've made me smile, just like Mr. Cunningham would. xo
DeleteWhat a lovely post. May he rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteThank you, dear Irish Eyes. xo
DeleteDear Frances,
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear of his death. I read about it on the internet yesterday, but his name did not ring any bells to me. He sounds like a special and one of a kind man. What a privilege to have met him and even talk to him, and what a beautiful compliment he gave you. Did he take a photo of you as well?
Thank you for your kind comment on my blog too. Please let me know whenever you come to Rotterdam. I will take you on a tour to the charity and vintage shops and the flea market :-)
Wishing you a good week!
Madelief x
Yes, Madelief, he was a very special person. Sorry to report that my sense of style never attracted his camera...however, he did photograph some folks I know who well deserved his attention.
DeleteShould I ever get over to Rotterdam, rest assured I will let you know! xo
I saw an item tonight on Dutch TV about him. Must be a special man. Have a good week, Jolanda
ReplyDeleteJolanda, Mr. Cunningham was definitely a very special man, and a true New York treasure.
Deletexo
A new person to me
ReplyDeleteLoved reading about him
You might enjoy seeing the documentary film that was made about him. (I've never seen it, but friends keep recommending it to me.)
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your city will surely miss him.
ReplyDeleteWe surely will. xo
DeleteThis is a sad news. It is always sad to hear that a gifted artist has passed away. He sounded like a fun person and you are lucky to have talked to him. I am sorry about his passing.
ReplyDeleteVagabonde, I truly believe that Mr. Cunningham made New York more fun for lots and lots of people, even though they never actually met him. He captured city spirit! xo
DeleteI am probably the least fashion conscious person I know but I always looked forward to Mr. Cunningham's photo essays in the NYT.
ReplyDeleteHis essays were always about just a bit more than fashion, weren't they? Last Sunday's paper was certainly missing that wit and joy.
Deletexo
Frances, I wish someone would call me "young lady"! I would enjoy seeing his fashion photos from the 40's abd 50's. Those were the BEST clothes>
ReplyDeleteJeri, you probably saw the link in my post to the New York Times obituary. I am sure that if you googled his name, you might find all sorts of vintage photographs. I remember first being aware of him in the 60s. xo
DeleteLucky to have met and known a great man like him.May he rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your kind words. I can't actually claim to have been a friends, but we did chat enough over the years that I think he actually recognized my face as familiar.
DeleteWhat was so great about Bill Cunningham is how he found wonderful fashion ensembles on just ordinary people walking the streets of our city who had no pretentions the outfits they put together were art of fashion statements.
ReplyDeleteI understand that there is now a petition to give him a plaque titled"Bill Cunningham Way"on 5th avenue & 57th street.
Cheers at least we both hope so now!,
Michael & Kitt
Interesting about the petition...something tells me that BC would hate that idea, even if his fans would love it. Did you all see yesterday's NY Times Sunday Style section was dedicated to him?
DeleteThanks so much for your comment! xo
Nice to know about him!!His photoes remember always his good work!!Nice day
ReplyDeleteDear Gabri, thanks so much for your comment. Yes, Bill Cunningham's photographs will surely keep his memory alive.
DeleteWhat a lovely post and tribute. There's something in being called 'Young Lady'....
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you enjoyed this post, Pondside. Yes, being referred to as "Young Lady" was very endearing. xo
DeleteIt's so sad that we should ever have to lose such extraordinary and very special people Francis x
ReplyDeleteSusan x
P.S My girls have just returned from New York where they had the most wonderful time ;-)
It was great to see your new post, and I also thank you for your visit and comment hereabouts.
DeleteFantastic that your girls enjoyed NYC. It's a fine place to visit during most parts of the year...August is a bit too hot and humid...June or early July is much better.
Those knitted bears are really wonderful! xo