The Lord Mayor Professor Michael Mainelli today (19th April 2024) awarded 40 recipients from a broad spectrum of sectors the Freedom of the City of London for their outstanding contributions in their respective fields.

Denis Pellerin was recognised as a remarkable photographic historian, and, as far as we are aware, is the first and only one to be honoured as a Freeman of London in this field. The special ceremony was held at Mansion House, the home and office of the Lord Mayor, the first of its kind to be held there since 1898.

The awards were given as part of the Lord Mayor’s ‘Connect to Prosper’ theme, which focuses on the City’s expertise in several areas, and brings together leading experts from diverse backgrounds to work on critical global challenges, such as climate change and artificial intelligence. The 40 were nominated for the Freedom by Lord Mayor, Professor Michael Mainelli, and City Corporation Alderman, Alastair King. The full list of recipients can be found here: https://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/40-remarkable-individuals-awarded-freedom-of-the-city-of-london-in-group-ceremony/

As well as being nominated for, or applying for, the Freedom, it is also offered by the City of London Corporation to individuals as a way of paying tribute to their outstanding contribution to London or public life, or to celebrate a very significant achievement.

Lord Mayor Professor Michael Mainelli said:

“Today’s ceremony embodies the essence of connectivity that underscores my mayoral theme. These people receiving the Freedom today are remarkable individuals who exemplify the City’s spirit of innovation and dedication, enriching the Square Mile’s diverse tapestry with their extraordinary contributions.

“My Mayoral Theme Connect to Prosper celebrates our multiple knowledge miles, showing that the UK is a place where problems come to be solved. That’s what these Freedom awards are all about.”

City Corporation Alderman, Alastair King said:

“It’s truly inspiring to witness the breadth of talent and expertise honoured today. These people not only excel in their respective fields but also embody the values that make our City vibrant and resilient. Their collective achievements highlight the power of collaboration and innovation in driving progress.”

Denis Pellerin said:

“At the Mansion House, London, I had the great honour of being given the Freedom of the City [of London] and was one of 40 Freemen who were bestowed that privilege. Everyone likes to see their hard work and efforts acknowledged and appreciated but having them so unexpectedly rewarded, especially in the case of such niche specialities Photographic History and Stereoscopy, is indeed a great honour. I am immensely grateful to all the people who, over the past couple of decades, have made this possible: My late father, who gave me his love of history and photography, Bernard Marbot, at the BnF, who was the first to believe in me and to give me a voice, François Cheval and the Friends of the Niépce Museum of Chalon-sur Saône, photo historian Michel Frizot, the wonderful François Raynaud, Catherine Tambrun and Kim Timby, from the Carnavalet Museum, with whom I had the privilege of working on the Paris in 3-D book and exhibition, Philippe Le Stum from the Breton Museum in Quimper, Kelley Wilder from De Montford University, Leicester, Victor Flores from Universidade Lusófona, Lisbon, the teachers, curators and principal of Royal Holloway University who made me a Doctor Honoris Causa, Werner Bosshardt, Bernard Larrieu, the dynamic team at CLEM Patrimoine, Tim Fryer and the Medmenham Collection, Geoffrey Browell, from King’s College Archives, the BMAS Trustees, my friend and mentor Professor Roger Taylor, my colleague Rebecca and, last but definitely not least, the person who turned a passion into a full time job and gave me not only a much greater outreach but also trusted me with the care of a unique collection when he liberated me from my teaching servitude, Sir Brian May. My warmest thanks to all and to my Instagram followers too, and my deepest gratitute to the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor, Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli.”

As an ancient tradition of the City of London dating back to around 1237, you will be glad to know that Denis, as a Freeman (or specifically for today, to be addressed as a ‘Youngest Freeman’), is allowed to drive a herd of sheep across London Bridge without paying a toll (but now only at a specially organised event to ensure everyone and their sheep are safe), the right to be hanged with a silk rope, to openly carry an unsheathed sword in the City, and to be drunk and disorderly without fear of arrest.

I would like to say a huge congratulations to Denis, and also to Dr. Geoffrey Browell of King’s College London Archives, who have both inspired, mentored and guided me personally in my career path. It’s fantastic they are being recognised in their respective fields for all their hard work, dedication, integrity, and generosity of their expertise and time to educate, support and enrich the lives of others now and in the future, by researching, honoring, respecting, preserving and sharing the stories of those from the past. Now they have made history themselves!

Left to right: Dr. Geoffrey Browell, Baaabara, Denis Pellerin.

Copyright © The Stereoscopy Blog. All rights reserved.

• Events
• History and Research