The legacy of the ‘godfather of photojournalism’ who spent nearly 25 happy years in Saxmundham will soon benefit an up-and-coming photographer trying to make their mark.

As a young, largely self-taught photographer, Eamonn McCabe cut his teeth taking photos for local newspapers in north London before joining The Observer as a sports photographer in 1976.

It was here that he carved for himself an exceptional career, being named Picture Editor of the Year six times and Sports Photographer of the Year four times.

In 1985, he was in Brussels photographing the European Cup final between Juventus and Liverpool when 39 fans died in the Heysel Stadium disaster.

Reflecting on this experience, Mr McCabe said: “I went as a sports photographer, thrilled to be covering Juventus against Liverpool, and ended up a news photographer… I never processed the films from the game itself. They didn’t seem to be very important.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Eamonn McCabe photographed at home in Saxmundham in 2008. Image: ArchantEamonn McCabe photographed at home in Saxmundham in 2008. Image: Archant (Image: SARAH LUCY BROWN)East Anglian Daily Times: Eamonn McCabe was described in his obituary published in The Guardian as the godfather of photojournalism. Image: SIMON PARKEREamonn McCabe was described in his obituary published in The Guardian as the godfather of photojournalism. Image: SIMON PARKER (Image: SIMON PARKER)

“Photography was his passion,” said McCabe’s wife, Rebecca Smithers.

“He couldn’t believe his luck that he was doing something so wonderful.”

She and Mr McCabe made their home in Saxmundham for around 25 years, until he died suddenly in October 2022, aged 74.

Her husband generously shared his knowledge, she said, and was always happy to share tricks of the trade with fledgling photographers.

East Anglian Daily Times: Eamonn McCabe pictured at his home in Saxmundham. Image: SIMON PARKEREamonn McCabe pictured at his home in Saxmundham. Image: SIMON PARKER (Image: Simon Parker)East Anglian Daily Times: Photographer Eamonn McCabe in his robes before receiving an honorary degree from the University of East Anglia. Image: ARCHANTPhotographer Eamonn McCabe in his robes before receiving an honorary degree from the University of East Anglia. Image: ARCHANT (Image: ARCHANT)

Now, that legacy is to be honoured in a £3,000 grant open to a photographer living, studying or working in the UK aged 25 and under.

In partnership with The Guardian and the Royal Photographic Society (RPS), Mr McCabe’s family have announced this inaugural bursary, which will give the recipient the chance to produce a new photography project.

This will then be published by The Guardian and the RPS, bringing it to a wider audience.

The closing date to apply is August 1, and the successful applicant will be announced by the end of September.

Although this award is open to people all over the country, we would like to encourage budding photographers from Suffolk to apply.

Ms Smithers said that Suffolk was a place which greatly inspired her husband’s creativity.

“He loved the big skies, and he loved the light,” she explained.

“This was very much his adopted home.”

For further details about how to apply for the bursary, visit: www.rps.org/McCabe