Padgate comic and Warrington Guardian columnist Bobby Murdock speaks to Andy Hollingworth about his iconic photos of stand-up legends...

ANDY Hollingworth is telling me about how he became a photographer to some of the most famous comedians.

It all started when he was six when he became fascinated by the only person who could make his granddad laugh. Andy’s granddad was not very cheery but Charlie Williams always made him smile.

Charlie was a Yorkshire stand-up and he was also the first black comedian to front a game show on the television.

On top of that he was also one of the first black footballers in Britain so when Andy was in his 20s he wrote to Charlie and went to photograph him after he retired from the comedy and performance industry.

Andy said: “The only reason I wanted to meet him was just to basically shake his hand and say: ‘Thank you very much for making my granddad so happy’. Charlie made me a cup of tea and then I began to take a photographs of him.”

That started the ball rolling. From that meeting Andy started to get more work photographing comedians from that era including Roy Walker and Frank Carson. This was 22 years ago when he was in his late 20s. Andy then started to photograph his heroes including Alexei Sayle and Rik Mayall before a prestigious London agent got in touch inviting him to do some more work with the stars of the comedy circuit.

The list goes on. Andy has worked with Jack Dee, Bill Bailey and Lee Evans and Andy says he still pinches himself when he talks about a weeks’ work with comedy legend Steve Martin. But he always tries to keep his job in perspective.

Andy added: “People are just people. Why we love a certain sportsman or celebrity is because they give us great entertainment. It’s escapism essentially.”

Warrington Guardian:

Andy has a wonderful ability to connect with the individuals he photographs and that’s why his images are so well respected.

He makes the person he photographs feel totally at ease. Considering most of us even feel awkward getting passport pictures done in a photo booth that’s an important skill.

Something that Andy has started to develop more recently is a passion for photographing objects from the comedy world.

So far his collection includes Eric Morecambe’s spectacles and first edition copies of theatre programmes.

Andy even travelled to Los Angeles to photograph items from his absolute hero, Harpo Marx. He got in touch with Harpo’s oldest son Bill because he still had many of his father’s items. Andy photographed his harp, horn, wigs and coat.

He also convinced Bill to dig around in a cupboard to find his uncle Chico’s hat which was inscribed with the words ‘Paris 1908’. There is no lengths or distance that seems to get in the way of Andy’s passion.

Andy then talks to me about his relationship with Lee Evans who recently announced his retirement from comedy. I’ve actually met Lee and it was a very weird and out of body experience.

I’ve never spent time with anyone that famous who still had so much time for people and a passion for what he did. We both agree that we would love to see Lee make a small comeback...or a big one, of course.

Andy is a very humble man and quite gentle in his demeanour. The best way I can describe him is basically an artist. Instead of using a paintbrush he uses his camera and his blank canvass is the world around us.

For more from Bobby visit whodaresgrins.com or follow him on Twitter at @BobbyMURDOCK