13 famous faces in Birmingham from 1961 to 1993, including Princess Diana and Sophia Loren

Princess Margaret arrives at Birmingham Airport to tour the city in 1961
Princess Margaret arrives at Birmingham Airport to tour the city in 1961

The proud family of Brummie press photographer Niels McGuinness have opened up his photo album to show some of his amazing work spanning more than 40 years.

Neils worked for the Press Association, among other media outlets, and covered all the major events in Birmingham, including Princess Diana’s visit to St Mary’s Hospice, now called Birmingham Hospice, in Selly Park in 1993, Sofia Loren’s trip to West Midlands Safari Park and the time when comedian Norman Wisdom got a parking ticket while rehearsing for a Christmas panto at the Hippodrome.

Niels also covered major news events and was the only photographer at the scene of the Birmingham Pub Bombings. He died four years ago aged 79 and his granddaughter, Louisa, and widow, Gill, from Great Barr, have produced a book bringing his images back to life called M J Niels McGuinness Life of a Press Photographer: His Life, His Work, His Pictures. You can see it on Google here: Niels McGuinness Photographer book

She opened the new extension in Francis Road, Edgbaston, in 1964.
She opened the new extension in Francis Road, Edgbaston, in 1964.

Louisa said: “I’m so proud to be able to do this in Granddad’s honour. He was so dedicated to his work and we just wanted to show people how wonderful his photography is. I just wish he could be here to see it.”

Miss Sophia Loren, an Italian film actress, wears designer sunglasses while visiting West Midland Safari Park
Miss Sophia Loren, an Italian film actress, wears designer sunglasses while visiting West Midland Safari Park
Comedian Norman Wisdom is booked for parking in Birmingham during rehearsals for Turn Again Whittington at the Hippodrome. December 1978
Comedian Norman Wisdom is booked for parking in Birmingham during rehearsals for Turn Again Whittington at the Hippodrome. December 1978
February 9, 1979
February 9, 1979
Actor Arthur Mullard and actor Stephen Lewis (Inspector Cyril “Blakey” Blake in On the Buses) in 1979
Actor Arthur Mullard and actor Stephen Lewis (Inspector Cyril “Blakey” Blake in On the Buses) in 1979
The comedian received treatment for his legs after slipping on a patch of ice. The photograph was taken on January 15, 1980.
The comedian received treatment for his legs after slipping on a patch of ice. The photograph was taken on January 15, 1980.
Sir Michael Edwardes is mobbed by the world’s motoring media as he arrives at the NEC in a Metro. October 1980
Sir Michael Edwardes is mobbed by the world’s motoring media as he arrives at the NEC in a Metro. October 1980
The Pope in Coventry in 1982
The Pope in Coventry in 1982
Road Transport Museum. The event, on November 14, 1988, was organised by the Prince’s Trust.
Road Transport Museum. The event, on November 14, 1988, was organised by the Prince’s Trust.
Birmingham St. Philip’s Cathedral, March 23rd, 1989
Birmingham St. Philip’s Cathedral, March 23rd, 1989
Birmingham St. Philip’s Cathedral, March 23rd, 1989
Birmingham St. Philip’s Cathedral, March 23rd, 1989
Princess Diana greets the crowds after leaving St Mary’s Hospice in Selly Park, Birmingham, in May 1993
Princess Diana greets the crowds after leaving St Mary’s Hospice in Selly Park, Birmingham, in May 1993