The world-renowned photographer has teamed up with Guide Dogs and its A-list supporters to shine a light on the stars’ most loyal supporters.
Simon Cowell, David Walliams, Tilda Swinton and Fiona Bruce were among the celebs who posed with their pooches to celebrate Guide Dogs' 90th anniversary and help launch the 2021 Guide Dogs Appeal to fund life-changing services for people with sight loss.
David Walliams, who was photographed with border terriers Bert and Ernie, said: “Guide Dogs is such an amazing charity and is one of the first charities you hear about as a child. My dogs mean everything to me so I can only imagine the incredible bond a person has with their guide dog. I’m delighted to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the first four guide dog partnerships and please get involved with the Guide Dogs Appeal, if you can, to help fund the next 90 years.”
The UK’s first guide dog partnership qualified in October 1931 – and at any one time the charity is responsible for 8,400 puppies and dogs.
Andy Gotts, who is famous for his portraits of Hollywood icons such as Paul Newman and George Clooney, volunteered his time to photograph the dog-loving celebs as part of a range activities Guide Dogs is holding to celebrate its 90th anniversary.
Needless to say, for my career sight is important, so I have always thought that helping a charity like Guide Dogs that supports people with a vision impairment is something I would love to do.
Andy Gotts, photographer
Other celebrities photographed include Eamonn Holmes, Sir Derek Jacobi, Jim Carter and Imelda Staunton, Beverley Knight, Dion Dublin, Russell Watson, Jason Watkins, James Martin, Martin Clunes, Chris Packham, Lee Mack, Nicky Campbell, Richard Arnold, Phil Daniels, Jess Impiazzi and Wendi Peters.
The photographs were released as the charity launches its annual Guide Dogs Appeal, which is based around the theme of ‘90’.
Guide Dogs is urging supporters to take part in light-hearted fundraisers with friends, colleagues and in schools across the UK, whether it’s a 1990s-themed party, walking 90km or baking 90 cakes.
Pam White, National community fundraising campaigns manager comments: “We’re so incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved over the past 90 years. This October, we celebrate 90 years since our first four dogs changed those first four lives. Since then, we’ve been there for people with sight loss and those around them – every day and every step of the way.
“As we’ve grown, so have our services, provided by brilliant and dedicated people working alongside our fantastic dogs. It would be great if you can help and support our 90th appeal, so we can continue to support those who need us.
“Sight loss isn’t going away. But neither are we! With new services, new technologies and our amazing staff, dogs and supporters, we plan to double the amount of people we help by 2023, helping them to help people with sight loss live actively, live independently and live well.”
