Documenting Number 10 and political giants by Tom’s Editors.
Think of many of the pictures you associate with Tony Blair and David Cameron : the intimate ones, the deeply personal ones, the historic ones, the triumphant ones, those that capture the pressures of office, the behind-the-scenes ones in Downing Street, on the hustings and once their front doors are closed. The chances are you will be looking at the extraordinary work of Tom Stoddart.
The unique access that eventually facilitated this work was remarkably hard won by Tom. For it was not enough to be recognised as a great photographer, he had to win the confidence, the trust of both the leaders themselves but also of ‘the gatekeepers’ surrounding them. It had begun with the idea of doing something that had not been done before in British politics by securing unprecedented behind the scenes access, effectively living for many days and hours with a political leader, his team and his family. So, in 1996, when Tom first raised the subject of shadowing Tony Blair for the impending election campaign the following year, it was a hugely exciting – and ambitious – project for those who had worked closely with him at Katz over 15-years. Tom gathered support within the Labour party via his contacts. The pivotal point for access was Alistair Campbell, Blair’s trusted friend and head of communications. Crucially, he eventually gave his full support, with the condition that he could see the images that we edited. Tom managed conversations directly with Campbell and he had little objection to any of the pictures put forward. We agreed as an agency, that the final edit would be sold exclusively to one publication in the UK, but at the beginning of the story we weren’t sure which would be the most impactful title to run it close to the eve of the election itself. We were aware that we were chronicling a moment in history. Tony Blair was the centrist voice in a Labour Party that had languished through the Thatcher years, and as the campaign grew it became abundantly clear that the electorate were shifting in their droves to New Labour. The sense of anticipation in the office and of excitement grew each time Tom arrived with not only his pictures but the kind of stories and anecdotes which made us both laugh and curse. Soon we realised here was something of huge importance, Tom, the master ‘shooter’ was providing something very special indeed.
Some of the images were released and emblazoned on Labour Party election materials and posters, further cementing Tom’s position as official photographer for the campaign which also alerted editors to his exclusive access. What always impressed us about Tom was his complete attachment to each story. We’d meet to edit as often as time allowed and pore over the contacts before Tom downloaded his days, weeks or months on the story with sincerity, compassion, care and respect for the people he photographed and a façade of black humour which masked the horrors he encountered.
Katz editor Steve Blogg recalled : ‘Editing, back in the day, was a heady cocktail of anticipation, excitement and raw emotion and when eye, brain and heart all react at the same time it’s a palpable ‘eureka’ moment. Shot on black and white film, processed and contacted, the envelope contained the unseen. The greatest privilege of all was to receive the fresh contacts as the only one in the room. It never disappointed.’Tom was a photographer who embodied such humanitarian principles that echoed so loudly in his pictures. His honesty and sincerity translated into trust with everyone he met and is certainly the reason he was allowed such unprecedented access to Blair and many other significant leaders, such as Mandela and most noticeably Mikhail Gorbachev.
As the Blair election drew nearer, we met to discuss the exclusive rights and which publication should be the first to splash the feature. Ironically, The Sun newspaper, historically a Tory stronghold and the biggest selling UK title, had switched allegiance to New Labour under Blair, so our first port of call was there. It was grabbed with both hands by the editor and was set for a front-page headline exclaiming ‘The Sun Backs Blair’ with Tom’s pictures on multiple pages inside. It was surely both the clarity and brilliance of Tom’s work, combined with his personality and a sharp political understanding that helped years later to convince David Cameron to allow him even greater access which was to last for six years (2010-2016). It was to provide intimate pictures of the Cameron family the like of which had never been seen before in the UK. If anything, Tom’s pictures taken behind the scenes during the Cameron years went further breaking new ground
especially in the moving family pictures with David and Samantha’s son Ivan, who had severe epilepsy and cerebral palsy. They are pictures now treasured by the family. Tom’s subjects felt comfortable in his company, he seemed able to establish a chemistry even with those who did not speak the same language. This was certainly the case with Mikhail Gorbachev. Tom had been there on the night that the Soviet leader finally recognised US President Ronald demand – ‘Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall’ – and had captured the excitement and magic of that dividing wall across the great city of Berlin falling, sometimes brick by brick. So he was excited when in 2007 Mike Bealing of TIME Magazine sent him to Iceland to photograph Gorbachev for a major feature entitled ‘Heroes of Europe.’ Gorbachev and Reagan had met in Reykjavik in 1987, a summit which formed the basis of the following Nuclear Arms treaty. Tom was to photograph him at the hotel where the two statesmen had met 20 years earlier. With the choice of many of the world’s best photographers to choose from Bealing described how and why Tom was his first choice. He said : ‘When you have a big-hitter like Gorby to photograph, you need to send a similar calibre snapper. You never know how the photog and subject will get along, but my preference is to send an adult for an adult job. Tom was the ideal choice. ‘I don’t know how Gorbachev understood the Geordie lad — I often struggled, but it was clear from the images that they got on famously. There was a warmth and a humanity in these photos. Tom had clearly befriended the great man, who in turn happily went along —‘played ball’— with all the set-ups Tom came up with. This wasn’t a set of photographs of a distant relic of the Cold War, but an intimate, colour (note) COLOUR study of a man who made the world a safer place. Takes a craftsman to do that.’ Bealing, who regularly commissioned Tom, described opening the envelope containing the 16 x 12” prints as ‘an event’ that brought both excitement and anticipation. ‘I had absolute faith and confidence in him, he never disappointed…’
British Labour leader Michael Foot taking his usual early morning walk over Hampstead Heath. Weeks later Foot lost a general election to Margaret Thatcher, with the Labour Party vote down by three million to record the party's worst performance since 1913. May 1983.
Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher poses for photographers on her official plane during an election campaign in May 1985.
Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, photographed under the lenses of photographers covering an election campaign event in May 1985.
Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, views photographers during an election campaign photo call in May 1985.
British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher takes a trip on the paddle steamer 'Kingswear Castle' in June 1987.
Conservative Party politician Michael Heseltine leaving his house in South West London during his leadership campaign, 15th November 1990.
British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher peeks at the assembled media from behind a curtain before making her farewell speech in 10 Downing Street, November 1990.
A visibly shocked Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during a visit to Lockerbie shortly after the disaster of December 24th, 1988, when Pan Am Flight 103, Clipper Maid of the Seas en route from London to New York, was destroyed by a terrorist bomb and crashed into the Scottish town killing all on board and 11 on the ground.
Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher supporting fellow Conservative party politician John Major during his Election campaign, 22nd March 1992.
The new British Prime Minister John Major gives a speech in Downing Street, one day after the Conservative victory in the general election, 10th April 1992.
Labour leader Neil Kinnock at a Labour Party election rally in Sheffield, 1st April 1992. On either side of him are deputy leader Roy Hattersley (left) and John Prescott (right).
Tony Blair and fellow Labour politicians launching his party's manifesto entitled 'Because Britain Deserves Better' during his successful 1997 General Election campaign to become Britain's first Labour Prime Minister since 1979. From left to right Jack Straw, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, John Prescott, Robin Cook (hidden), Margaret Beckett and Frank Dobson. London, 3rd April 1997.
Tony Blair MP is seen during the 1997 General Election campaign trail. The future Prime Minister was photographed via special access behind the scenes during the campaign in April 1997.
Tony Blair MP is seen during the successful 1997 General Election campaign trail in April 1997.
Tony Blair and his wife Cherie boarding a flight during his successful 1997 General Election campaign to become Britain's first Labour Prime Minister since 1979. April 1997.
Tony Blair MP is seen amongst the general public during the 1997 General Election campaign trail. The future Prime Minister was photographed via special access behind the scenes during the successful campaign in April 1997.
Anji Hunter (L) shares a sandwich and a hug with David Miliband as Alistair Campbell and Tony Blair prepare for the last week of the general election campaign. Hunter met Tony Blair at university and became one of his closest political aides in Downing Street during his premiership. April 1997.
Tony Blair MP and his wife Cherie are seen during the 1997 General Election campaign trail. The future Prime Minister was photographed via special access behind the scenes during the campaign in April 1997.
The moment Tony Blair realises he has won the general election on election night. The future Prime Minister was photographed via 3 months special access behind the scenes during the campaign. May 1997.
Massed ranks of photographers waiting for Tony Blair to walk up Downing Street after his successful 1997 General Election campaign to become Britain's first Labour Prime Minister since 1979. May 1997.
Tony Blair MP is seen during the 1997 General Election campaign trail, alongside Gordon Brown, Peter Mandelson and Alastair Campbell. The future Prime Minister was photographed via special access behind the scenes during the campaign. April 1997.
Tony Blair PM and his wife Cherie, inside Number 10 Downing after the landslide labour victory in May 1997.
Gordon Brown receiving a few quiet words of wisdom from film director and producer Lord Richard Attenborough at a private reception in The Hilton Hotel, London. Tony Blair's resignation after ten years in 10 Downing Street means that Gordon Brown MP is set to become leader of the Labour Party, and British Prime Minister. May 2007.
Tony Blair's resignation after ten years in 10 Downing Street means that Gordon Brown MP is set to become leader of the Labour Party, and British Prime Minister. Shortly after 27th June, 2007, Her Majesty the Queen will invite Brown to Buckingham Palace and ask him to form a new government. Gordon Brown takes a phone call during a break in his 'Gordon Brown for Britain' campaign schedule. May 2007.
Following Tony Blair's resignation after ten years in 10 Downing Street, a thoughtful Gordon Brown travels to the launch of his 'Gordon Brown for Britain' campaign, surrounded by morning rush hour commuters on the London underground Piccadilly Line. May 2007.
Prime Minister David Cameron and Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne are escorted to an aircraft at RAF Northolt, United Kingdom, at 7am, before departing to attend the G20 Summit in Cannes, France. November 2011.
Conservative Party leader David Cameron strolls with Barack Obama through the historic House of Commons cloisters after the two held private talks during a visit by the US politician to the British parliament in London, England. July 2008.
British Prime Minister David Cameron photographed with his Private Office staff at the 8.30am daily meeting to discuss the days business. Included in the group are Chancellor George Osborne and Communications Director Craig Oliver. November 2011.
Anji Hunter (L) Tony Blair's political assistant, brushes his suit jacket before he addresses a meeting of top London business men in the City of London during the general election campaign of 1997. Hunter met Tony Blair at university and became one of his closest political aides in Downing Street during his premiership. April 1997.
British Prime Minister David Cameron photographed at 6am working on the contents of his Red Box in the flat above 11 Downing Street where he lives with wife Samantha and their 3 children. November 2011.
British Prime Minister David Cameron pauses to take a phone call from his Downing Street office during a Saturday morning walk with baby daughter Florence at Chequers. November 2011.
Conservative leader David Cameron kisses his wife, Samantha, after his keynote speech to party conference delegates in Birmingham, England. September 2008.
David Cameron, Leader of Britain's Conservative Party photographed during his campaign to become British Prime Minister in the General Election on May 6th, 2010. Mr Cameron is taking a moment to focus his thoughts before addressing a rally of party supporters in Leeds on the day his campaign was launched. April 2010.
David Cameron, Leader of Britain's Conservative Party photographed during his campaign to become British Prime Minister in the General Election on May 6th, 2010. Mr Cameron puts his feet up and also focus his thoughts before addressing a rally of party supporters in Leeds on the day his campaign was launched. April 2010.
Chancellor George Osborne pictured at Spooner engineering works in Ilkley, Yorkshire. Mr Osborne toured the company with Prime Minister David Cameron as they gave more details about their vision of a 'northern powerhouse' to rival London in February 2005.
Prime Minister David Cameron and Chancellor George Osborne pictured taking 'selfies' with apprentices at Spooner engineering works in Ilkley, Yorkshire. The pair toured the company as they gave more details about their vision of a 'northern powerhouse' to rival London in February 2005.
Conservative leader David Cameron rests his eyes during a round of 22 TV interviews held in his hotel suite during the annual party conference in Birmingham, England. September 2008.
David and Samantha Cameron pictured at their London home with children, Nancy, Arthur and Ivan. The family photograph was used by the Conservative Party leader on his 2008 Christmas card. Mr Cameron is pictured holding 6 year old Ivan who was severely disabled with epilepsy and cerebral palsy, and who died on February 25 2009.