‘Ken Dodd in his garden at Knotty Ash’ by Peter Rogan
Thanks to his connection with the late comedian Sir Ken Dodd OBE, photography and humour go hand in hand for Peter Rogan MBE.
Following the death of the performer in March 2018, the 81-year-old Liverpool-born photographer has been reflecting on the photographs the pair created together – and the achievements and everyday moments they capture.
The RPS member, who is based in Ormskirk, Lancashire, discusses creating a photobook of these unseen images and how they reflect the legacy of a much-loved friend and comedy legend.
'Sir Ken Dodd in his garden at Knotty Ash' by Peter Rogan
How did you first meet Sir Ken Dodd?
It was in 1984. As well as working as a primary school head teacher, I volunteered with the Mersey Region Epilepsy Association. At one meeting of the association the chairman said he had Ken Dodd’s phone number and thought he’d be keen to help the charity. I rang Ken and asked if he’d like to get involved and he was happy to. Our 40-year friendship bloomed from that day.
We had a special and close friendship. I was privileged to be his best man when he married his wife, Lady Anne Dodd, on 9 March 2018 – just two days before he passed away.
'Sir Ken Dodd on stage at The Grand Theatre, Blackpool' by Peter Rogan
What inspired you to start photographing Ken?
I was looking for a hobby after retiring from teaching in 1997. Ken’s friend Stephen Shakeshaft – a picture editor with the Trinity Mirror Group – encouraged me to get into photography.
He advised me to buy the best camera I could afford and to keep it on me wherever I went. I started taking photographs and got more and interested in the medium. Eventually, Ken and I started playing with the camera together for fun.
'Sir Ken Dodd performing at The Floral Pavilion, New Brighton' by Peter Rogan
What was your photographic partnership with Ken like?
For many years I was in the privileged position of being the only person allowed to take photographs of Ken on the wings of the stage, in his dressing room, and at his home and parties.
Ken loved being a model and was up for photographing using different styles, techniques and lighting at the studio we set up in his house. We were both control freaks so our photography sessions were lively and saw us trying out as many ideas as possible.
For me, photography is about enjoying the process. Shooting with Ken was never about the perfect photograph. We just wanted to have fun and every shoot finished with laughter.
'Sir Ken Dodd with his wife Anne at a party following his investiture' by Peter Rogan
Tell us about your photobook Focusing In On Fun and Friendship With Doddy.
Over the years I collected the photographs Ken and I shot together, and kept them to myself when he died.
Most of the photographs I’ve taken for this book have previously been unavailable for general viewing. But after talking to his widow, Anne, we felt now was the right time to share them to keep Ken’s legacy alive.
This photobook isn’t going to be published widely. I’ve only made three copies – one for Anne, one for me and one for the Society. My aim is to let people appreciate the sheer fun we had practising the wonderful art of photography.
'Sir Ken Dodd' by Peter Rogan
What do you want viewers to get from these images?
I want these photographs to make people smile. Ken was such a dear friend and has left such an incredible legacy.
For me, happiness is found in the art of photography. And for Doddy, everything he did was about creating happiness. I hope these photographs show this while letting people enjoy a rarely seen part of Ken’s life beyond the stage.
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