Like many journalists of my generation I’ve had a fascination with the work of the press photographer Don McCullin for my whole career. Each of his images manages to tell a story that us writers would struggle to convey in a thousand words.
So I was beyond excited to interview him for BBC Radio 4’s Open Country programme a few years back. And fascinated to be reminded of his image of a lone Cuban missile crisis protestor in London from 1962 in the Guardian newspaper – “It’s been a cessit, really, my life”: war photographer Don McCullin on 19 of his greatest pictures.
It didn’t just tell a story then. It speaks to us now. Not least how the nature of protest has both changed and stayed the same. Juxtapose this image in your head with a contemporary one from the front line of protests in London now. And remember front lines aren’t always in war zones.
When I first posted this I promised to see if I could dig out the audio from my interview with him. Thanks to a very helpful producer at the BBC I’ve managed to secure a copy. I hope you’ll agree it makes a fascinating listen. Copyright, of course, remains with the BBC for who I am grateful for allowing me to share this programme first broadcast on January 22nd 2005.
You might also be interested to read this Guardian article from 9th October 2025 headlined ‘Somerset saved my sanity’: Don McCullin at 90 – in pictures
A remarkable man, exceptional interview: fascinating, stark, surreal and moving. The excitement and horror of war contrasted with the stillness and healing of Somerset landscapes. Like you, I’ve long admired Don McCullin’s work.
I’d forgotten how skillful an interviewer you are, Richard, and it was a pleasure to hear your voice again.
Here’s to many more blackberry and apple pies.
Thank you Maureen. It was an extraordinary interview and I’m ashamed to say how quickly as an interviewer one forgets and moves on to the next interviewee. And, yes, here’s to many more blackberry and apple pies (and pictures of Somerset)!
Did you get a blackberry and apple pie?
Great interview Rich.
I didn’t come to think of it. I’ll expect a pie or his 100th birthday. And thank you – I value it more especially because you, like Don, are a photographer.