Personal Profile _ Don Morrison

      The Lancaster Medal, presented by the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain, is awarded in recognition of exceptional service to photography. Members of this Federation all recognise the vast contribution to the hobby made by Don Morrison, but few can be aware of the complete range and length of this service.

      Don's involvement with organised photography began in 1942, when he joined the Newcastle upon Tyne Photographic Society, and very soon became Secretary. His term of office was so highly regarded, that in 1946 he was presented with a watercolour of Durham in recognition of his work. Two years later he was awarded the Associateship of the Royal Photographic Society, and also won Newcastle PS's prestigious "Turner Trophy", for the first time. At that time the Newcastle Society averaged 350 members and was renowned for the standard of photography. In the rare event of anyone winning the trophy for three consecutive years the rules gave the recipient the right to keep it. In 1954 he won that right for the second time, and persuaded the committee to change the rules so that it could not in future be won outright. In addition to his service to Newcastle P.S in many capacities including that of President, he began his work as a judge and lecturer for the Federation in 1947.

      Don's own photographic work and ability is unsurpassed, but in addition to his creativity, he has also shown a remarkable ability to organise and innovate. He introduced Presentation Evening, the Federation courses and weekends, and also organised the first R.P.S Regional Weekend in 1972. He also served the PAGB in many capacities from 1964, and in 1975 was elected President. Last year he resigned as Chairman of the Alliance Judges Committee, a post he had held for no less than 26 years! During his lengthy service he rarely missed a meeting in London, and has attended numerous standing committee meetings at a variety of locations throughout the U.K.

      In 1974 he began corresponding with D. M. De Wijer, founder of the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP), which led eventually to the PAGB becoming a full member of FIAP in 1977. The award of Hon. E.F.I.A.P is limited to 250 people world wide, and Don was awarded this in 1978 in recognition of his work.

      In spite of the number of engagements undertaken both nationally and internationally, Don has always been equally accessible and helpful to both large and small clubs in this Federation, and consequently is an Hon. Life member of Hexham, Berwick, and Ryton Photographic Societies, and Hon. Life Vice President of Newcastle P.S, in addition to being elected as a Life Vice President of the PAGB. For more than fifty years he has given an average of three nights each week to promote the hobby.

      In 1996 the Don Morrison Silver Plate was introduced as an award in connection with the Annual Colour Slide Championships, as there are few people who have made such an outstanding contribution to the enjoyment of the hobby. This is just a brief outline of his work, which also included five Regional Tours for the RPS, and judging innumerable National and International Exhibitions and Alliance Competitions, while his travels have taken him all over the U.K and even to Miltenburg in Germany, and Brussels in connection with FIAP. Don enjoys, and continues to enjoy the hobby of photography, and his involvement has long been valued not only by friends, but also by hundreds unknown to him personally. Seven "Lancaster Medals" were awarded, none can be more richly deserved than that awarded to Don, whose full achievements could fill this magazine!

Information collated by Tom Fearn

Pat Porrett LRPS