It is with great sadness that we share the news that Rhys Jones ARPS died on Sunday 29 November 2020. He was a much loved and respected member of the RPS family.
Rhys first joined the RPS in 2003 and held volunteer roles in his local South Wales Region. He initially volunteered as South Wales Secretary and Web Editor in 2017 and later as South Wales Regional Organiser - a position he still occupied at the time of his passing.
Rhys was an accomplished photographer. He became an Associate of the RPS in 2010 and held an MA in Photography: Contemporary Dialogues. As well as undertaking many photography commissions (he was an NUJ accredited Press Pass holder), he also had a special interest in photographic and visual communication research projects connected with neuroscience and conditions on the Autism spectrum. With his company 20/20 Vision Media, he was able to combine his love of photography and research with his extensive event and project management experience gained from 31 years at the EDS Group and Hewlett Packard.
His energy and enthusiasm were enjoyed by all who met him. During his time as Regional Organiser, Rhys and his team created some wonderful events, a highlight being the last public talk by David Hurn. Rhys held a pivotal role in organising a day with Martin Parr HonFRPS and a talk by Antony Penrose, photographer and Director of the Lee Miller Archive. Rhys was a great support to other RPS Groups and Regions and helped many start holding events online. He was also a volunteer for many years at the National Trust.
When explaining his motivation to volunteer Rhys said he wanted to: "...encourage young people and disadvantaged people to take up photography and to engage in an activity that is challenging, rewarding and will help develop their wellbeing."
Rhys' kind, thoughtful and considerate approach to others was evident in everything he did at the RPS. He will be greatly missed.
We offer our sincere condolences to his family.
Tributes:
To view our Book of Condolence please click here.
If you would like to add your own tribute, please email kate@rps.org and include your RPS Distinction and volunteer role if you would like/if applicable.