Jim had been a school boy gymnast doing hand balancing and some tumbling. His father had been a keen photographer, so he also took an interest. He would develop his own films and print the photographs. He and his wife, Pauline, got more and more involved with gymnastics initially at the time of the 1948 Olympics, but then it carried on with a lifetime involvement. Jim always carried a camera so he could capture that rare moment with the family or in the gym. 

As he travelled to international events as a spectator, he would take every opportunity to snap photos. He has left us with some remarkable photos from the Montreal Olympics, whilst sitting in the spectator stand, close-up and personal photos from the women’s European championship of 1967, 1969 and 1975, as well as some very special photos from Russian displays held at Wembley. It is also fortunate that he would attend many events at the much-used Central YMCA during the 50s, capturing some historical moments not recorded anywhere else. In short, some photos have helped us piece together the missing parts of the jigsaw.

Through modern technology, we have been able to scan many negatives, some of them never printed, and so preserve them. As an amateur photographer, Jim would have been delighted to know that they are now available for anyone to see.

Above – Jim with wife and national coach – Pauline Prestidge

Alan Burrows was a keen club gymnast. He belonged to the Central YMCA Gym in London. Living only a few miles from Jim Prestidge, the two soon met up. Alan had a passion for photography, taking photos of various sports and wildlife, but his real passion was for gymnastics photography. With Jim Prestidge being the editor of the newly revived Gymnast magazine in late 1959, his photos were in great demand. This coincided with the Olympic Games in Rome in 1960. Alan, with his photographer’s pass, captured some magical moments of these games so much so that he was immediately recognised as a fine gymnastics photographer around the World. The International Gymnast magazine from the USA was particularly impressed with these photos and many from later years. Alan, like Jim, would develop and print his own photos. He didn’t become a professional photographer but did attend several Olympic Games, World and European Championships. 

Gymnastics History was given his library of British photos by his sister, Christine. Most of his foreign photos have been sent to the International Gymnast magazine, but thankfully, we have permission to use them.

It has been like a treasure trove going through Alan’s archive and scanning hundreds of his negatives. Sadly, Alan, like Jim, was unable to see what an amazing archive we now have due to their skill and passion for the sport.

Eileen became hooked on gymnastics during her time as a PE teacher in Sheffield. She took up photography in order to try and get some recognition for women and girls in sport. This desire has snowballed to Eileen being involved with the establishment of the Women’s Sports Foundation in the UK. Eileen became a professional in 1980, setting up Supersports Photographs.

Her eye for detail and her professionalism have brought her to the notice of many establishments in the world of sport. She has won various awards, including Winner Sports Picture of the Year (UK) 1983. She became the official FIG photographer from 1983 to 2002, photographing all their events. Her gymnastics library in all areas of the gymnastics family is vast.

Her portfolio up until 2003 is now the property of the International Gymnast magazine, but Gymnastics History has permission to publish her photos under the heading Eileen Lansgley/International Gymnast. We thank Eileen for all her help and fantastic photographs covering nearly three decades.

Peter was a student at Carnegie College and graduated in 1974 with a PE degree. At this time and for some years later, Carnegie students and ex-students were brought in to help with national and international events organised by Tony Murdock of the BAGA. Pete, a keen photographer acting as a steward at these events, would take the opportunity to capture the gymnasts in training. He also became involved with the local acrobatic club, Acro1, which was one of the few in the country at this time. He followed his other interest, which was dance. He formed the Chapeltown Youth Dance Centre, which became known nationally. In 2013, he was awarded the MBE for services to dance.

In 2024, Pete sent us his entire British collection of gymnastics photos, which we are able to publish freely.