The Rowing Photography Pioneer: Peter Spurrier

The number of people who can call themselves true specialist rowing photographers is small. Peter Spurrier was one of them and one of the original pioneers in the world of rowing photography.

The British native started out rowing in high school and moved into the niche world or rowing photography over 40 years ago. Regattas became his world and the world demanded his photos. A true international photographer at all major rowing events he cut an unmistakable figure in his standard cargo shorts and photo bib with a huge lens protruding from his face.

It all began in 1981 when Spurrier brought his passion for rowing and his skill as a photographer together. The Great Britain national team were training on Thorpe Lake Water Park in Surrey. Spurrier, who was there to take photos of wildlife, was captivated by the rowers. Rowing photography was yet to be a ‘thing’ and when Spurrier was spotted taking photos, he was accused of spying on the team.

The encounter worked out in Spurrier’s favour, when he was invited aboard the coaching launch by British national team coach Mike Spracklen. This launched Spurrier’s incredible international career.

In Spurrier’s 40+ year career, he covered countless international and national regattas (especially in Great Britain). He worked at a number of Olympic Games and was a regular figure on the banks of the River Thames, camera in hand.  He worked for countless rowing federations and rowing news organisations from throughout the world. His images were used by magazines, books and corporations.

As a full-time freelance photographer, Spurrier made a career out of rowing photography when many wouldn’t dare. “All sports have their unique elements,” said Spurrier. “Rowing is good for showing strength, team work, and anything else between brutal and tranquil.”

An exhibition of Spurrier’s work – Rowing Through the Lens – featured in Henley on the eve of his 30 years in the sport. This is how his work was described:

“Peter Spurrier has spent a lifetime photographing the beauty, power and sweat of rowing from sculling along gentle backwaters to the high drama of Olympic regattas. His exceptional images, which have been published in newspapers and magazines internationally, are best known for the vivid power of the moments they capture, such as the intensity of concentration or nervousness on a rower’s face, or candidly revealing the quirky rituals of athletes in the boathouse.”

Spurrier was still taking photos right to the end. He worked much of the 2022 international regatta season and more recently was planning a 30^th anniversary photo montage for one of his longest rowing gigs, Rowing News. He died on 18 April at the age of 77 from a heart attack.

Spurrier leaves behind his three (adult) children and his partner (and biggest fan) Karon Phillips – also a regular at regattas and often at Spurriers side.

The works of Peter Spurrier: https://www.intersport-images.com/index