Extraordinary unseen photographs of Muhammad Ali have recently emerged, shedding light on a momentous chapter from nearly six decades ago. Discovered by Matthew King, the grandson of renowned Daily Mirror photographer Albert Cooper, these images were meticulously developed for the first time. The unveiling of these timeless snapshots, captured in 1966 during a historic assignment, has sparked nostalgia and admiration.
Recounting the serendipitous find, Matthew shared, “The Muhammad Ali negatives were securely stowed in a small brown bag labeled with Ali’s name. Witnessing my grandad’s recollection of this memorable shoot was truly remarkable.” Albert, now 89, fondly reminisced about the pivotal encounter between Ali and Britain’s Brian London at London’s Earls Court, a significant moment etched in his storied career at the Mirror.
As Matthew meticulously archives his grandfather’s photographic legacy, he reflects on the immense responsibility of preserving these invaluable treasures for posterity. Sorting through a vast collection of negatives stored in cardboard boxes in his grandfather’s garage in Lancashire, Matthew expressed gratitude for unearthing this hidden treasure trove. The meticulous curation and preservation of these iconic photographs have become a labor of love for Matthew, who envisions sharing his grandad’s work through special exhibitions.
Albert’s illustrious career also included capturing pivotal moments in English football history, notably the euphoric 1966 World Cup victory at Wembley and the heart-wrenching 1990 World Cup semi-final defeat in Rome. Matthew highlighted his grandad’s profound pride in capturing poignant moments like Paul Gascoigne’s emotional display during the England-Germany match in 1990. Reflecting on the challenges faced, Albert spoke of capturing the iconic Charlton brothers’ image amid a tumultuous crowd, showcasing his unwavering dedication to his craft.
Matthew’s commitment to honoring his grandfather’s legacy through meticulous archiving and exhibition planning underscores the profound impact of preserving these iconic photographs for future generations to appreciate and cherish.
