Denis Thorpe initially aspired to become a reporter having been praised for some of his writing whilst at school. He joined the Mansfield Reporter as junior journalist in 1948, his job responsibilities mostly assisting the photographer. After National Service he rejoined the Mansfield Reporter as photographer. He then worked for the Northampton Chronicle & Echo (1954-55), the Lincolnshire Echo (1955), Birmingham Gazette & Dispatch (1955-57) before joining the Daily Mail in 1957. He joined the Guardian on the 12 August 1974, where he stayed for over 22 years. The Guardian encouraged his work and allowed him to explore new methods and to become adept in all genres of photography. Thorpe retired in April 1996 but continues to take photographs and give talks. An exhibition of photographs from his book 'Photographs 1950-2000' was displayed in the Guardian Newsroom from the 7 May-25 June 2004.
From the guide to the Denis Thorpe Photographic Collection, 1950-2000, (Guardian News & Media Archive)
