Henley Royal Regatta
A celebration in photographs
matthew pinsent
ISBN: 978-0-9927266-1-4
Published: 2014
295mmx295mm
Hardback
224 pages
Published by: Phillimore Book Publishing
RRP: £50
HENLEY, the most famous name in the rowing world, is a national institution, alongside the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race, Royal Ascot, the Derby and Grand National, and Wimbledon. Since the first Regatta in 1839 (Royal from 1851), Henley has been the focus of national and international rowing competition. Each year it attracts the best crews from around the world to a unique sporting and social event which now engages more spectators than ever before.
To mark 175 years of Henley Royal Regatta, Sir Matthew Pinsent has compiled a visual record, based chiefly on the vast archive of Getty Images. Many of these photographs have never been seen before and, together with images from the HRR archive and contemporary illustrations from the photographer, James Finlay, they combine to form a magnificent tribute to all those who have competed or worked at Henley over the years.
SIR MATTHEW PINSENT, CBE was born in 1970 in Holt, Norfolk, and educated at Eton College and at St Catherine’s College, Oxford. He rowed for Oxford University in the Boat Races of 1990, 1991, and as President in 1993.
In his rowing career he has won a great number of medals: ten Gold Medals at the World Championships from 1991 to 2002, having also gained Bronze in 1989 and 1990.
His achievements at the Olympic Games are outstanding, winning Gold Medals at four successive Games: in 1992 and 1996 in the Coxless Pairs and in 2000 and 2004 in the Coxless Fours.
At Henley, since 1990 he has won the following medals: The Silver Goblets (1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 2001, 2002 and 2003); The Prince Philip Challenge Cup (1995, 2001 and 2003); and The Stewards’ Challenge Cup (1990, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2004). He was elected a Steward of Henley Royal Regatta in December 2000 and, from his wide knowledge and experience of this unique institution, is perfectly positioned to act as author, compiler and commentator for this celebration in photographs.
Matthew’s immense service to the sport of rowing was recognised when he received his MBE in 1993, and in 2000 when he was appointed CBE in the New Year’s Honours. He was knighted in the New Year’s Honours of 2004.
His recreational activities include golf and motorbikes, while in 2012 he rowed in the Gloriana in the Royal Pageant for HM The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and again a month later, bearing the Olympic torch as it crossed the River Thames. He also works for the BBC as a sports presenter, reporter and commentator.