Ken Griffiths was born in New Zealand in 1945. Chosen as one of the special few students at London’s Royal College of Art’s new photography program, he crossed the ocean in 1969 and arrived in London to study at one of the most respectable art schools in the world. Two years later, he had won the Sunday Telegraph’s 'Young Photographer of the Year' award, marking the start of a brilliant career in advertising and photojournalism. Throughout his career, he contributed to a range of periodicals, from The Sunday Times, Traveller, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Vanity Fair to name a few.
Ken always stayed true to old-fashioned photographic equipment: a Gandolfi plate camera and large-format film. He never gave in to the lure of digital photography, believing his real purpose was to record only “what is true.”
His adventurous spirit and lust for life meant he travelled the world exploring landscapes and portraying lives, searching for the ordinary and extraordinary. His passion for the craft is seen in each breath-taking and honest picture he took, some of which have been showcased at The National Portrait Gallery and The V&A.
Accompanied by a sense of humour that could make anyone feel at ease regardless of their culture or background, Ken was known for giving a great sense of humanity to all of his subjects. Whether they were a rock star or a homeless person, British Royalty or landmine survivors, Ken treated every one he photographed with respect and honour.
His memory and work will live on.
