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Patrick Lichfield Quotes

Patrick Lichfield
Image courtesy of Kristine on Flickr, original taken by Trevor Leighton in 1986
  • Mini Bio
  • Name: Patrick Lichfield
  • Born: 25th April 1939, Chelsea, London, England
  • Died: 11th November 2005, Oxford, England
  • Resting place: St. Michael and All Angels Church, Colwich, Staffordshire, England
  • Occupation: Photographer
  • Famous for: Being a royal photographer who shot the official photographs at the wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles
  • Title: 5th Earl of Lichfield
  • Trivia: Helped to preserve and define the swinging sixties scene in London

"To marry a photographer who charges around the world with the most beautiful girls is not a reliable prospect"

Patrick Lichfield

"My parents opposed me becoming a photographer, but I think that was because they thought if I felt strongly enough to go against their wishes, I might have a chance of succeeding at what I did"

Patrick Lichfield

"They naturally assume that we are all rich. We are - but not in cash. We inherit responsibilities, burdens; and you can't sell what you've got"

Patrick Lichfield

"Memories like that make me realise what a privileged life I have had, despite the emotional ups and downs" [recalling the swinging 1960's]

Patrick Lichfield

"My greatest thrill is that I am now shooting pictures for the British Tourist Board; at last something I am proud to identify with"

Patrick Lichfield

"I have really worked at being a photographer. I've used pseudonyms to make sure that it is my work and not my name that counts"

Patrick Lichfield

"I might have broken a few hearts but my own was pretty much intact. That shows how spoiled I was"

Patrick Lichfield

"It's usually a disadvantage to be a peer if you have a profession. People don't take you seriously"

Patrick Lichfield

"The 1960's were good for the upper classes because the barriers were broken down for us as well and we all came into contact with people we wouldn't normally have met"

Patrick Lichfield

"I used to think the lot of photographers like Bailey, Donovan and Duffy was easier than mine"

Patrick Lichfield

"You need the model as much as he or she needs you. If they don’t want to help you, it will be a very dull picture"

Patrick Lichfield

"I was very self-centred and had little thought for other people. It got too good too quickly"

Patrick Lichfield

"Some models have thrown tantrums and been quite vile but I'm not naming names"

Patrick Lichfield

"I'd like to be taken seriously before it's too late"

Patrick Lichfield

"Until my marriage break-up I'd never had any form of emotional upset"

Patrick Lichfield

"I am happier taking photos than doing anything else in life"

Patrick Lichfield

"I might have broken a few hearts, but my own was pretty much intact"

Patrick Lichfield
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Patrick Lichfield Biography

Patrick Lichfield was the quintessential society photographer who the rich and famous turned to during his career that spanned 40 years.

His affable character as the charming globetrotting snapper saw him equally comfortable with rock stars, models and sporting icons as he was with royalty.

He cut a dashing figure around the fashionable haunts of London town as he captured some of the iconic moments of the swinging sixties through his lense.

He gave gossip columnists of his era ample column inches so it was not too difficult a task to find some good one liners from him. So this is my list of 17 of the best Patrick Lichfield quotes.

Quotes About Patrick Lichfield

The model and actress Britt Ekland described him thus: "Lord Lichfield was a wonderful photographer"

Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher paid him a high tribute: "Patrick Lichfield was not only one of the most talented and professional of photographers, he was also an absolute delight to sit for. Always courteous and considerate, he had a rare skill"

The novelist Jilly Cooper was impressed to say: "He was just a gorgeous man, lovely and intensely glamorous. He was charming and very kind to the models. He had an ability to pick out something in people, including those who are non-beauties, and make us look wonderful"


Patrick Lichfield quote