Heathrow's Godfather revealed
It has been the ever-present Dennis (above) who has captured many of the airport’s historic moments as well as the travels of some of the world’s greatest stars including Frank Sinatra, Goldie Hawn, Princess Diana and the Beatles.
Dennis - now 84 - started working at Heathrow as a messenger boy aged 14 and has since been witness to Heathrow’s own journey over the last 70 years, dedicatedly documenting the journeys of those flying through the airport each year.
His pictures have been regularly featured in the national newspapers and he also appeared in the BBC television series Airport, with the early programmes being written around his activities as the ‘godfather’ of celebrity photography.
The Godfather of Heathrow has long been a much loved member of the airport community - in 2010 the airport presented Dennis Stone with the 'Key to Heathrow' as a sign of the community’s gratitude for Dennis' work and a celebration of his loyal tenure.
Underlining Dennis's unfailing professionalism and charm, many actors and musicians count the veteran photographer as a friend, with Joan Collins including Dennis on her Christmas card list.
Dennis Stone said: "Anyone who is anyone travels through Heathrow. I feel very fortunate to have be part of Heathrow for the past 70 years carrying out a job I see less as work and more as a passion. I have made many good friends here and been privy to a world that has allowed me to capture unique moments and events."
John Holland-Kaye, Heathrow’s CEO said: "Over the last 70 years, Dennis has witnessed phenomenal advances in aviation while photographing Heathrow's transformation from a small airfield to the UK’s hub airport. Dennis is a fantastic ambassador for the airport and we at Heathrow are extremely proud to count him as part of our family."
