David Hurn

This Magnum veteran has been documenting the world around him for 60 years

MAGNUM Photos veteran David Hurn is one of the UK’s most respected and influential documentary photographers. His best-known work takes a personal and affectionate look at culture and people’s everyday life and behaviour, particularly in Wales, where he has spent most of his life.

What’s his background? 

Hurn was born in 1934 in Surrey; his father was an officer in the Welsh Guards. Educated in Wales, he was severely dyslexic and left school without qualifications. In 1953 he began two years’ National Service in the Army and was later selected for officer training at Sandhurst. While there, he bought a camera and taught himself photography.

When did he become a pro?