Book of Condolence
We have received several enquiries from readers, asking if their condolences and memories can be passed onto Brian's family.
Therefore we opened this virtual book of condolence, to allow anyone who wished to leave a message to do so. These were collated
and passed onto Brian's family, as well as being displayed below. We would take this opportunity to thank those who have taken the time to contact us since Brian's passing.
Brian Morrison 1930-2023
Well-known photographer and author, Brian Morrison, has passed away, at the age of 93.
Brian had a railway interest since a young age, and after being 'demobbed' from the army in 1951, went and bought a camera, the same day visiting Liverpool Street station in London and taking his first picture, depicting Gresley-designed B17/1 'Sandringham' 4-6-0 No. 61625 Raby Castle being serviced in the yard at the end of the platforms. Remarkably, it was published a couple of months later in The Railway Magazine!
Through the pages of Ian Allan-published abc number books and subsequently in almost all printed and digital railway titles that have been published in the UK, Brian's photographs have been enjoyed by a wide variety of people and have inspired generations into photography of the rail network. In addition, he was also the author, or co-author, of over 50 books. His role in helping to establish and then produce Railway Herald on a weekly basis, was unmeasurable. He helped to give the title credence when we started, and was still actively involved on a weekly basis well into his late 80s.
While his passing leaves a big hole with the RH team, it leaves an even bigger one for his family, and our condolences go to his daughter Sue, granddaughter Victoria and grandson Duncan, and his two great-granddaughters, Lexi and Nicole, whom he thought the world of.
Our thanks to Antony Guppy for the superb image of Brian, taken at Taunton in the 1970s, cameras in hand!
- Brian was simply a great bloke. Excellent company, a fountain of knowledge and always encouraging you to do and achieve more. I first met 'the legend' back in the early 1980s, and his friendship has been treasured ever since. It was with great sadness that I heard that he had passed away, but it was in the knowledge that he had lived a good and energetic life, and importantly, was also an inspiration to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. This applies especially to all us budding railway photographers, for whom he was great mentor. RIP Brian.
John Whitehouse, Lichfield- Brian was a great photographer and a true gent. He was a delight to take along on press trips. I was really sad to learn of his death and my thoughts are with all his family and friends.
Heidi Lee, Derby- Thank you Brian for your marvellous pictures which I have enjoyed looking at in Railway Herald. A true master of photography. RIP
Geoffrey Westley, Cambridge- My sincere condolences to all of Brian’s friends and family. A very gifted man who leaves a lasting legacy. RIP
ECP, Oxfordshire - A brilliant photographer and a great person to work with. A privilege to have known him.
Hugh Madgin, Stevenage- Brian was wonderful friend who was always there with words of support, fun to be with when out on the lineside, universally liked and admired by enthusiasts, railwaymen and professionals, and a true talent behind the camera. His skill for photography was superb, no matter whether it was medium format, 35mm film or digital, he adapted to them all, with ease. I will long recall, when staying with him, the evenings spent with him watching QI or some similar show, where whenever a railway topic or question came up he could answer it quicker than both me or the contestants! Brian was somebody I was very proud and indeed privileged to know, and he will be missed. Farewell my friend.
Richard Tuplin, Lincolnshire- Since 1972 i saw and enthused about his images. I have so many of his images immortalized in books which are pride of place in my study. A true legend.
Dr Steve Cockroft, England- Brian, you were an inspiration to all us railway photographers, for me it was a privilege to have known you, thoughts with you family and friends.
Chris Wilson, Basingstoke- A true legend and a great inspiration to all us fellow railway photographers who follow in his footsteps. RIP Brian.
Anthony Kay, Romford- I am really sorry to hear Brian has passed away. I was a member of the RCTS Photographic Portfolio for over 35 years and enjoyed receiving his comments on my photos over the years and seeing his contributions. I only met up with Brian once, on the occasion of the last coal working to Chinnor cement works on 20th December 1989. I have his book The Steam Cameramen published by OPC in 1980. He will be greatly missed and my condolences are with his family.
Graham Roose, Worsthorne, Burnley, Lancashire.- I went around with Brian from the early 1970s and have many wonderful memories of standing on the lineside, stations, depot works, you name it taking pictures. Brian was alway great company to have around and always gave that helping word of advice when needed. Brian you were a true legend in your life and you will be hugely missed. I will never forget the great times we had together.
Colin J Marsden, Dawlish, UK- Have just learned of Brian's death. A very sad day. We have lost a true gentleman atop being a brilliant photographer. He was my photographic guru and I am hounoured to have known him and classed him as a friend for over 30 years.
RIP Brian
John Stretton, Leicester- One of the very best photographers in the world. Some of his photographs were out of this world, whether it was steam or diesel, he was the top man. RIP Brian, your photos were magic.
Peter Cole, Swansea- A sad loss.
Paul Tucker, Torquay, UK- Thank you Brian and rest in peace.
Neil Treadwell, Leamington Spa- The first copy of an Ian Allan ABC, the summer 1953 edition, has one of Brian's photos. Ever since then I always enjoyed seeing his magnificent pictures in various magazines and other publications. My sincere condolences to his family. RIP Brian
Chris Meredith, Purley- A great inspiration to me and many others. And a true gentleman more than anything. I still have his little hand written notes of encouragement from when I used to sent him slides for Railway World
Dafydd Whyles, Retford- It was an amazing coincidence when I was surprised to bump into Brian, and Colin Marsden, at LAX when I was returning my hire car, and they were collecting there’s for the Stateside trip.
Chris Davis , Wakefield - Sincere condolences to Brian's family and his many friends. An inspiration, someone who you wanted to emulate, someone who set the bar so high.
Peter Kellett, Fife- An inspiration to us all budding railway photographers. New material from Brian will now be missed. Thank you for capturing the past for us.
D. L., Watton, Norfolk- My Condolences to Brian's family,his many friends and work colleagues. We all enjoy taking pictures of trains, yet we admire and learn from a master craftsman. Which is the case here, such a talent is a gift and shows in his work. He leaves a timeline now for others to study and learn from. Thanks you.
David Ellerton, Llandudno- I was so sorry when I heard the sad news about Brian. I knew him from the days of Railway World and then at Railways Illustrated and had the pleasure of meeting him a fair number of times. He will be missed by so many of us.
Ian Lothian, Larbert- Your wonderful images enriched the lives of fellow railway enthusiasts across the world Brian, thank you.
Denis Chick, Solihull, UK- Farewell to one of the greatest railway enthusiasts ever. A wonderful man of great patience who was always willing to help budding authors such as I was back in the late 1970s. His photographs will for ever be his memorial.
Nick Pallant, Sidcup, Kent- The legacy you leave behind is in your photographic works that will live on forever and invoke everlasting memories. It was an honour to know you. R.I.P. dear friend.
John Day, Ipswich- His photographs never failed to give me insight on the railway world.
Bystander, Central Scotland- Brian was without doubt a truly great photographer. He was to me a far greater friend. My sincere condolences to his family. RIP Brian
Ken Brunt, Berkshire- Sad to here about Brian, one of the greats of his generation, he publishised a lot of my pics, when he was at Railway World, inc the Take 4 article, met him at Eastleigh Open Day in 2009. Nice guy. RIP Brian.
Paul Senior, Wigan, Lancashire.- Brian's work has always been an inspiration to me. Showing me how railway photography should be done. RIP Brian. My sincere condolonces to his family and friends
Alex Dasi-Sutton, Redhill- RIP Brian. Thank you sincerely, on behalf of thousands of rail enthusiasts everywhere, for sharing your love of railway photography with us, in the albums and railway magazines. It has been a sincere pleasure to view your albums and excellent photographs, over the years. You will be sorely missed & I send my heartfelt condolences to your family & friends. God Bless !
Nigel Diplock, Ely, Cambridgeshire- It was an absolute pleasure to photograph his surprise 80th birthday at Quainton Road. He was a true gent who had a brilliant sense of humour. His photographs will go down in railway history and will be admired by many to come!
Jack Boskett, Gloucestershire- I have read many of his books and looked at his photographs, since I started my railway career in 1961. He will be sadly missed by all who love trains and railways. From a Southern man.
Peter Griffiths MBE, Stone Staffordshire- A man I never knew, but somebody who I admired for his knowledge and photographic skill. From the Ian Allan abc books of my father's through to the superb tombs that now adorn my own book shelves, such as 'The Evolving Railway' that I believe was his last title published in 2020, when he was 90. What endurance and professionalism to survive at the top of a hobby since the 1950s. One hopes that his photographs are now the subject of many discussions wherever he is. My condolences to his friends and family, and my (sad) congratulations to Railway Herald on producing such a superb reflective edition of the magazine, that seemed to sum up in everyway this lovely gentleman.
K. Snedland, Preston, Lancashire- Many happy days by the lineside at the end of steam in the South East with Brian and Dick Riley when lineside permits were readily available. I used to visit Brian in Sidcup in the 1970/80s when we were both in the RCTS photographic portfolio. He was always very helpful in providing prints for Society publications. Always thankful that our hobby creates many friendships.
Rodney Lissenden, Otford, Sevenaoks- Brian, you were an inspiration to all us railway photographers, for me it was a privilege to have known you, thoughts with you family and friends.
Chris Wilson, Basingstoke- Condolences to Brian's family and friends. It was his work in the 1970s that inspired me to take up railway photography. A great loss to the railway hobby. R.I.P.
Neil Walkling, Bournemouth- Many thanks for your uncountable impressive images. Rest in peace, Brian.
Yoshi, Surrey- One of a very select few inspirational railway photographers. So sorry to learn of his passing.
IJM, Surrey- Brian was one of the most prolific railway photographers and his contributions to many publications will ensure his photographic legacy will be in demand for many years to come. I first met Brian on joining the Southern Region public affairs team. He attended almost every press event up until the time I left the railway in 2006. Joining the model railway industry he continued to provide me with pictures. He also supplied pictures for a number of books with which I was involved with over the years. I have many memories of Brian particularly the many trips which took us to many parts of our rail network and also on press trips to see Virgin's new trains being built in Belgium, France and Italy. On one of our annual joint railway press trips with ScotRail to locations all over Scotland, saw Brian surprised by being handed a membership card by the Caledonian Railway at Brechin. Brian, despite his London accent, had once confessed to being born near Brechin and we were able to arrange the presentation to him. Thanks for all your help over the years and while you will be missed by many, your work with a camera will ensure that you will never be forgotten and ever in demand.
Dennis Lovett, Milton Keynes- Have one of his photos of 34067 Tangmere signed. Great photographer. RIP.
Mark Hill, Bristol- Brian Morrison - legend. Your amazing photographs lit up our lives. We will miss your inspiring work, and are thankful you shared it with us. My sympathies go out to your family. Thank you, now I hope you will rest in peace.
John Stocker, Woking- Thanks for some wonderful images of an age I grew up in.
John Webber, York, now Huntingdon- There will only be one Brian Morrison. His photography of the changing image of Railways in this country will never be forgotten. His photos still inspire me today at the age of 66. RIP.
Ian G, Houston, Renfrewshire, Scotland- Very sad news of Brian's passing. His portfolio of work will live long through so many publications and he has influenced a great number of us. Thank you Brian.
Rob English, Camberley- Such a great photographer. His photos were always beautifully balanced and usually pin sharp.
Peter Jonathan Heath, Cambridge, UK- A great loss. His work has given pleasure to thousands. RIP mate
Karl Bullock, Stoke-On-Trent- Brian will be sadly missed and leaves a great legacy
Jeremy Hartill, East Yorkshire- I never met Brian, but I suspect the vast majority of us would have a book or two, usually a photo album, featuring his work. I have five authored by him, with many others containing his work. Thanks Brian, RIP.
Kevin Martin, Victoria, Australia- Farewell Brian. You introduced me to The Phoenix, and we had some good times in the group. Always enjoyed your London stuff.
Chris Davis , Yorkshire - A very well known name within the railway photography circuit and publishing, there will be few people who did not know the name from the 1970s and 1980s, particularly if you read the Railway periodicals from them days. Brian took great pictures. Recall in early days of the DEPG preservation of 'Hymek' D7017 at Minehead, Brian's involvement with the group. Loved his 1960s and 1970 pictures he was certainly there taking crisp interesting images. I wonder what is hidden away in his collection, many gems i expect. I kind of remember his name more for the pictures of Kent and a very under photographed part near where he lived. Few people went that way, and thats how i will recall him with his pictures in that part of the world that few ever ventured too. Thank you.
R Geach, Cornwall- R.I.P. one of the big names in my Train enthusiam. From my first numbers book to various books on many different classes B.M. and his pictures have always been there. I will miss him and I send my condolences to his family. Mind you I suspect he is already photting 'Gods' Wonderfull Railway.
Graham Martin, Nr Tring, Herts- I met Brian a few times at Dungeness photographing 20s and 37s when I was an operations manager for DRS. Always had time for a chat and was a lovely friendly and jovial chap. Rest in peace Brian and photograph the long lost locos in the sky
Russ Pigott , Holt, Norfolk - RIP Sir and thank you
Doug McIntire, Newcastle upon Tyne- Thank you Brian. It was always a pleasure to have your company, and that wonderful smile, when you covered the events that I put on whilst with BR's Eastern Region at York and later at the BRB and beyond. I'm sorry though for leaving you behind at Euston when we took our newly named Class 350s for a spin to Wolverton and back. Even that you took in good part, the professional that you always were. Delighted that I will be including one of your classics from the 1980s in my Waterloo 175th anniversary exhibition this July.
Mike Lamport, Ely, Cambridgeshire- Farewell to an old friend of 50 years standing. We enjoyed many days out together, him with his Bronica 6x6 and me with the Pentax 6x7 - both to convert to 35mm Nikon cameras and later digital photography. We were even co-authors for OPC back in the early 1980s. We were both once Phoenix Photographic Circle members and even in his later housebound days we had an almost daily chat on the telephone, reminiscing and sharing a joke. My lasting memory will be the two of us standing side by side on an overbridge over the Cornish Carbis Wharf branch waiting for the MONTHLY train in the rain. Happy Days! 'BM' will be greatly missed and I echo the 'R.I.P.' sentiments expressed here. His photographs will be his memorial.
John Vaughan, Goring-by-Sea, West Sussex.- A pioneering photographer the like of which we may not see again. His photos and publications will remain a key part of our social history, no doubt. Enjoyed his company and hospitality a few times and I often refer to examples of his work when editing my own images. Antony Guppy's image captured Brian perfectly, the shades on and fully kitted for the day's activities! Thank you Brian and may the 'light be with you', always. Cheers
Don G [Gent of Leisure], Bromsgrove- Rest in peace Brian. You were an inspiration
Steve, South Africa- To a fellow railway photographer, thanks for all the great pleasure your writing and photographs have given me and thousand of others. RIP.
Martin Bryant, Scawby, Brigg, N. Lincs- My condolences to the family of a great railway photographer who I remember from my days as a youngster buying Ian Allan spotting books and the Trains Illustrated magazine. RIP Brian, you will always be remembered by your many wonderful photographs.
Robert Johnson, Wigan, UK- Brian, I only met you once but feel I have known you all my life through your wonderful photographs.
Your photographs have inspired many to take upa camera and you have left an incredible legacy of photographs of railways from that very first picture in 1951.
Rest In Peace Sir.
Julian Saunders, Hythe, Kent, UK- Brian’s record of Scottish steam - my particular interest - is monumental. We owe him much. Thank you Brian.
Douglas Forbes, Barrhead, Scotland- Thanks for all the wonderful images which will make many a happy memory for years to come. RIP Brian.
Mike Caine, Bolton Le Sands, Lancashire - I have enjoyed his photographs for many many years! I now live in Canada, but keep up to date with the 'Railway Herald'
Richard Hayter, KASLO, BC, Canada- So Sorry to hear of the passing of Brian, A inspirational Photographer and Author, condolences to his Family and Friends.
David Barnsdale, Lincoln- I'm saddened to hear of the passing of Brian, a name I shall always associate with railway photography. Not only is he a great loss to RH and his immediate family but also to the railway fraternity. R.I.P Brian
Ian Hudson, Plymouth- It's was Brian's striking images in Modern Railways Pictorial that inspired me in the 80s to try to reach the standards he set in railway photography. His unique images have left a great legacy showing the changing face of Railways in this country. Sympathies to his friends and family, you will be greatly missed
V Barnard, Kent- I never met you Brian but thanks for the memories in your photographs and books, if it wasn't for people like you recording the railway scene we would not have these wonderful records.
Mark Roberts, Skelton on Ure- I first met Brian when I was with Network SouthEast over thirty years ago. He was always a welcome and knowledgeable attendee at events. Whilst our contact has been limited in recent years I have continued to admire his work right back to 'Raby Castle' when my interest in railways was first aroused. My condolences to his family.
Ray Walkington, Luton, Bedfordshire- As a young enthusiast in the early 80s, Brian's photographs in Modern Railways Pictorial were a fascinating glimpse into the world of railways across the country. A few names in the hobby are synonymous with consistent quality photography, Brian was right up there with the best.
Andy H, Stafford- Brian's photographic work has graced the pages of books and magazines throughout my life. He is synonomous with railways. May he rest in peace.
Florence Day, Burgess Hil- So sad to hear of Brian's passing. Didn't know Brian very well but met him a number of times lineside in London and he was kind enough to print a number of my pictures in Railway World when he was involved with that magazine. He was a remarkable photographer and I have enjoyed his work immensely over thr years. Thank you Brian for leaving such great memories
Eddie Parker, Beverley East Yorkshire- Sending you my deepest condolences on your sad loss my thoughts are with you at this sad time RIP Brian you’ll never be forgotten your pictures will live on and give many enthusiasts a great deal of pleasure for many years to come I’ve personally enjoyed seeing your pictures in many publications over the years thank you for providing us with such a valuable history of the railway.
Paul Bolton, Tamworth Staffordshire - Sad to hear of Brian's passing. I have admired his photographs in books and magazines for over 40 years and his images were always ones that would capture your attention. His work encouraged me to begin contributing my photographs to the railway press although my success is miniscule in comparison to what Brian achieved. His work will live on for decades for many others to enjoy. Thank you Brian, and condolences to the family at this sad time.
Richard Hooper, Merthyr Tydfil, Wales- Super photographer old and new traction and what a variation.R.I.P Brian.
Paul Tuson., Coppull Lancs.- Farewell to a good friend and muse of over 50 years standing. A gap has been created that cannot be filled and I know how much bigger it will be for his family.
Thank you Brian for your friendship and support and a precious part of you will be with me for life. R.I.P.
Fred Kerr, Southport- Rest In Peace, Brian: we never met, but you were an inspiration, even though you were associated with that 'Old Rascal' Vaughan!
J.c., Angmering- Mr Morrison cost me thousands over the years and was responsible for extra bookcases. Worth every penny! A superb photographer with an amazing collection, very sad to hear the news. Less and less of the old school unfortunately. You really will be missed Sir.
A. Maceby, Tyneside- To a very good friend R.I.P.
Bill Wilson, Glasgow- Am very sorry indeed to have learned from the Railway Herald of the passing of Brian who will be very much missed by so many people and organisations alike.
When I was at school way back in the 80s, I used to enjoy (and of course continue to do so!) looking at photographs taken by Brian in countless publications giving me a great deal of inspiration into railway photography.
It was a real privilege to be in direct contact with him in connection with my book of the Class 60s and to be granted permission to use a number of his very valuable photographs of the construction of the Class.
Edward Gleed, Bristol- Condolences to all at Railway Herald and Mr Morrison's family on their loss. A true inspiration to many, although I never knew him, his reputation and photographic skills were well known. End of an era.
Keith Weston, Manchester, UK