Albert Cooper, born in Barnsley, South Yorkshire on 13 April 1936, embarked on an incredible journey as a photographer. As a young boy of 13, Albert invested in a photo printing kit using his hard-earned money from his paper round. With his lens, he captured memories of his loved ones, nature’s beauty, and life’s milestones. Little did he know that his passion would lead him to specialise in sports photography for a national newspaper. He started freelancing in 1960 and signed with the Mirror in 1965.
Over the course of four decades, Albert immortalised moments in various sports such as football, golf, rugby, cricket, boxing, athletics, horse racing, and even motorcycle racing at the legendary TT races. His images, which captured not just the action on the field, but also the emotions of the athletes and fans, have been circulated around the world.
Today, Albert, who now resides in St Annes, has teamed up with his grandson, Matthew, to preserve his lifetime of work in a virtual reality gallery, on his Instagram page and here on Blackpool Timeline. Matthew has curated 4 exhibitions in the year 2025 and plans to do many more across the world, Although Albert has retired from actively documenting sporting history, his love and passion for photography remain as strong as ever.
The images below were all taken by Albert Copper, leaving a wealth of images for everyone to enjoy now and in the future.
Stanley Matthews playing at age 62 for local post office team in Malta, 28 Oct 1977.
Steve Bruce at Manchester United between 1987 and 1996.
Paul Gascoigne at the 1990 World Cup Semi-Final against Germany.
Brian London during boxing camp for his fight with Ali, 6 Aug 1966.
Muhammad Ali during boxing camp for his fight with Brian London, 6 Aug 1966.
Albert Cooper absolutely loving Blackpool!
Alex Ferguson at Manchester United winning his first ever title in the 1992/93 season.
Bobby Ball at Ashton Gardens in St Annes where Albert Cooper now lives.
Tom Finney invited Albert Cooper to photograph him at Deepdale digging up a piece of the pitch to help raise funds for the club.
Tiger Woods at 18th hole, winning the British Open at St Andrews, Scotland, in the year 2000.
Tiger Woods smiles as he shows the trophy at St Andrews, Scotland, where he won the British Open Golf title for 2000.
The Queen during a visit to Preston.
Margaret Riley, Mayor of Blackpool 1979-1980, sharing tea with a friend at Blackpool Zoo.
Chris Boardman winning gold at 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games.
Nigel Mansell at IOM Airport for the opening of the new Departure Lounge, 18 April 1994.
Nigel Mansell at IOM Airport for the opening of the new Departure Lounge, 18 April 1994.
Albert Cooper at 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games.
Andy Williams with his family on a train from Blackpool to London in the late sixties or early seventies – during the height of his fame.
Albert Cooper in front of the camera.
Text source: Matthew Cooper, grandson of Albert Cooper, provided all of the text
Images by © Albert Cooper - provided by his grandson Matthew King
