CELEBRATED wildlife photographer, and supporter of Celtic FC Foundation, David Yarrow met five members of the Lisbon Lions’ squad in Glasgow today to hand over 12 copies of his iconic ‘Cesar’ image.
The much sought after artist has donated 11 copies to be sold to benefit the #LionsLegacy fundraising campaign, which Celtic FC foundation are delivering, while one is a gift to the McNeill family.
David visited Lisbon in February 2017 with the five Lions and members of the Stein, Fallon and Mochan families to take photographs of the team which form treasured memories and part of the club’s official archive.
David is a regular supporter of Celtic FC Foundation’s education work, visiting Glasgow schools for inspiration talks and photography masterclasses.
Proceeds from the sale of these donated photographs will support Celtic FC Foundation’s Community Care for Dementia programme as part of #LionsLegacy.
The photographer looked back on his recent visit to the Portuguese capital and said: “It could only be Celtic. It could only be Lisbon. Now, 50 years on and Bertie Auld, Jim Craig, John Clark, Bobby Lennox and Willie Wallace pull up at the Palacio Hotel in Estoril just outside Lisbon.
“Yes, that Palacio – home to the big green mushrooms by the swimming pool, home to the big fence that the Bhoys climbed over the night before the game.
“I went back to my archive after the stadium visit and our unique shoot there. I’ve chosen ‘Cesar’ as the image I dedicate to Billy and his Lions. I think it captures everything about majesty, strength, spirit and modesty.”
To honour the Lisbon Lions and create a legacy in their name the charitable arm of Celtic FC has created the #LionsLegacy programme of fundraising and community work.
Dementia care forms a major part of this initiative and some of the proceeds from the Henrik v Lubo 60,000 sell out Legends’ game at Celtic Park on Sunday, and the 1,300 sell out dinner at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel next Wednesday, will be devoted to this work.
Other focus for the Foundation following these events will be the 67 Kitchens project and existing local delivery, such as Ability Counts – aimed at children and young people with Down’s Syndrome and/or Autism.
Peter Lawwell, Celtic FC Chief Executive, said: “David is a longstanding friend of the club and the Foundation. On behalf of everyone at Celtic we pay tribute to his generosity in supporting the Foundation and the legacy being created for these wonderful men and their families.”
Tony Hamilton, Celtic FC Foundation Chief Executive, added: “We are very grateful to David for taking significant time out of his schedule to support the Foundation and the Lions once again. Now, it’s 50 years on and we are remembering the talent of our greatest ever team and for David to devote his talents to the Lions and the Foundation’s fundraising is very special.”
David Yarrow added: “Lisbon with the Lions, back in February of this year, was a really special time for me. I couldn’t have had a proper feel for just how very close these guys are without being around them for the two days.
“They are so special and so selfless. I’m honoured to be involved in helping with their legacy.”
On behalf of the Lions, John Clark, said: “We thank David for dedicating his time and his talents to #LionsLegacy. We couldn’t be happier and prouder than we are at this photograph and David’s very special dedication to Billy.”
If you are interested in purchasing one of the exclusive 11 prints, fully signed by the five Lions and David Yarrow, please contact Celtic FC Foundation via email and we will respond promptly – [email protected]
David has built an unrivalled reputation for capturing the beauty of the planet’s remote landscapes, cultures and endangered animals.
Born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1966, he is now one of the world’s best-selling photographers by value. He is represented by some of the world’s leading galleries and his images are among some of the most sought after pieces of work within the photography world.
On Friday, May 19, 2017 his “Mankind” photograph sold at Sotheby’s, London for £48,000.
