24h Le Mans
Despite the fact he spent a great deal of time in the Le Mans area, it was at Porto, Portugal that freelance photographer Guy Durand - who covered the 24 Hours of Le Mans for several decades - spent several days on holiday and abruptly met his end at the age of 59.
Though he started in an entry level position at the daily "Le Maine Libre," the talent of Guy Durand soon directed him toward photography. Winner of the prestigious Prix du Jury Noir et Blanc Ilford in the 1980s, Guy Durand was awarded a grant allowing him to go around the world all while remaining drawn to the Le Mans area.
In 1992, he decided to go out on his own and become an freelance photographer while collaborating regularly with two of the biggest agencies in the world, Gamma and Getty. His work, characterized by movement, was routinely highlighted as he published around 20 examples, including "24 Hours, the longest lap" with Patrick Chaillou.
In 2006, the ACO entrusted him with the design and development of the work for the 100 years of the club, co-authored by Hervé Guyomard and Pierre-André Bizien. Guy Durand was devoted to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, dedicated above all at qualifying and highlighting the human stories, like heroes...
Always between two projects, including tags and graffiti, Guy Durand inaugurated ten days ago the exhibition "Portraits pour traits" at the "Les Photographiques" festival. The exhibition is viewable at the Parc Théodore Monod, at Le Mans, until March 27th; and many photos have been posted on its Facebook page.
The Automobile Club de l'Ouest extends its sincerest condolences to Guy Durand's wife, daughters and loved ones.
Cécile Bonardel / ACO - Translation by Nikki Ehrhardt / ACO
PHOTO: LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES, 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, JUNE 14-15 2014. Guy Durand was a great 24 Hours of Le Mans enthusiast.
