Funds raised for Anton Hammerl's kids
2011-09-05 14:43
Johannesburg - Some of the most renowned photographers in the world have rallied together to donate images to raise funds for South African photographer Anton Hammerl's children, a family spokesperson said on Monday.
The Friends of Anton online benefit in aid of his children, 11-year-old Aurora, 7-year-old Neo, and 6-month-old Hiro, was launched on Monday, family friend Bronwyn Friedlander said.
The money raised would be used for the children's future education. Non-profit organisation, Reporters Without Borders, sponsored the online benefit and would handle all donations.
Amongst the photographers contributing were David Burnett, Kenneth Jarecke, Joo Silva, Bruno Stevens, Q Sakamaki, Greg Marinovich, Andrew Testa, Joo Pina, Matt Black, Teun Voeten, Teru Kuwayama, Leonie Marinovich and Jody MacDonald.
Friedlander said many more high profile photographers would be added in the coming days.
"The photos, generously donated, represent a diverse mix of stunning photography from around the world and are available to collectors for a limited time."
Death in Libya
The launch of the website coincided with Hammerl's death in Libya five months ago and three days before a memorial service to be held at St Bride's Church in Fleet Street, London.
Friedlander said three of Hammerl's colleagues who were with him when he was killed helped steer the fundraising website. They were photojournalist Manu Brabo, journalists Clare Morgana Gillis and James Foley.
The three were arrested immediately after Hammerl was shot on April 5 and detained for six weeks before being freed. Hammerl's family only learnt of his death after their release.
"When Anton was with us he spoke with such deep love for his children. We feel unable to rest without being able to try and help his children in some way," said Foley, who together with Brabo, returned to Libya.
"The 'gift' of the prints from these wonderful photographers is truly a way of honouring Anton by his colleagues in the field," said Gillis.
- SAPA
