‘It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Peter Marlow, one of Magnum London’s founder members, former President and Vice President of the Agency,’ states the Magnum website.
Peter died after a struggle with bone marrow cancer, according to a tribute by former Magnum president Stuart Franklin.
In a statement, Peter’s family said: ‘Peter died from septicaemia and influenza contracted during a stem cell transplant.’
Stuart Franklin said Peter was ‘part of an essential glue that has held us all together’.
He added: ‘Peter was one of the most considerate and unselfish people I have known, always putting the interests of others above his own.
‘He was an enormous support to Jinx Rodger through his work on George Rodger’s archive.
‘Even three weeks ago, in the grips of what he knew he had to face, he’d offered to host an AGM party in his penthouse flat above the office. ‘
On the importance of his wife Fiona and three sons, Max, Theo and Felix and daughter Chloe, Peter said recently: ‘Every other year I make a 150-page book of our family photos and have it bound, as a present for my wife, Fiona.
‘It’s lovely to get all the books out and look at them. My children’s memories are quite conditioned by these books, with many “remember when we…” moments being talked about as a result of these photos.’
Born in 1952, Peter Marlow was regarded as one of the most enterprising and successful British news photographers. He joined the Sygma agency in Paris in 1976.
The news of his death comes just days after details of an exhibition of Peter’s photographs of Anglican churches were announced.
The show, called ‘The English Cathedral’, is due to open at Coventry Cathedral on 29 April.
The Dean of Coventry Cathedral John Witcombe today spoke of his shock and sadness. ‘It was a delight to work with him on the development of the English Cathedrals exhibition – which we still hope will be presented in his honour and memory in Coventry Cathedral alter this year.
‘Peter has shared with us his gift for seeing – and particularly his gift for seeing light.
‘Light, and space, are the hallmarks of all our cathedrals, and Coventry Cathedral in particular.
‘Peter’s gift of helping us see will stay with us, and will be his lasting legacy. He will remain a very special man in our hearts, and we will miss him – but his photographs will remain, and continue to open our eyes to the world around us.
‘Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues, as we entrust Peter to that greater light for which we all hope.’
Self-portrait of Peter Marlow at his home in Gee Street, London. It was taken for ‘Strategies Magazine’ in Paris, which commissioned him to photograph 18 communications directors of major international companies in 2008
© Peter Marlow/Magnum Photos
