Star date: 24th December 2019

ALBERT CAPTURED THE BEST SOCIAL AND POLITICAL ACTION IN SALFORD

Albert Spiby, photographer, fighter for justice, raconteur, would-be comedian and more, has sadly passed away after a short illness. Albert took photos for the Salford Star, Salford Online and his own website, and was way more interested in pictures than making any money from his skill. He will be incredibly missed.

Full details here...

You couldn't miss Albert Spiby on a demo. Dressed all in anarchist black fatigues, with a matching can of Coke Zero and huge lenses weighing him down, he'd be lurking, not just looking to capture a great shot, but to get to the heart of the action, to let you know what was about to kick off.

In the early days of the Barton Moss anti-fracking demos Albert was a constant feature, snapping the arrests, the police intimidation and letting everyone know that he wasn't a neutral observer but a campaigning photographer...to the point where the police hit back, reporting Albert's use of his mother's mobility car to get to the protests. It was promptly taken off him and he had to fight to get it her back.

Yep, Albert certainly got up the nose of the authorities, using one of his massive lenses to break the first photos of police snipers on the roofs of buildings surrounding the Tory Party Conference in Manchester. Of course, even though wearing his official Salford Online jacket he offered the pics to the Salford Star.

Indeed, wherever Albert went taking photos he always offered to share them around publications that he saw were working for the community. Money never came into it. Albert was so modest that a lot of the time he didn't even want his name on the credit, just a reference to his website itookyourpic.com.

That website was an incredible archive of recent Salford history, featuring everything from the Hazel Must Go campaign to the battle to Save Hope Hospital's Maternity Unit, to the Justice4Grainger campaign, the fight against cuts in Salford, May Day rallies, community events and loads more. Unfortunately the site is no longer hosted but Albert's photos will live on within the Salford Star and Salford Online websites.

He was also the acclaimed admin for the bear pit that is the Salford Online Facebook group – a task few people would go near even with a virtual bargepole. Albert was fearless.

When you saw Albert at an event, you didn't really talk photos; he'd tell you a joke, or catch you up on some Salford happenings, all the while swigging from that black Coke can and looking around for the next potential action.

Yesterday, when news broke of his passing, tributes poured in from all over...
"Safe journey onwards my friend" wrote Diane Steele "Far too early. A pleasure it has been to know you. Your support for us at Barton Moss camp was second to none from trudging for hours and taking footage and photos in the rain to your bloody awful sense of humour. Often raising our spirits with your quick wit. Thoughts are with family and friends at this sad time."

"He will be sorely missed and we are indebted to him for the work he put into this group which can be a daunting and near impossible task at times" wrote Karl Davison of Salford Online "I would like to send our condolences to his surviving family as well as his friends at this time. He will be dearly missed."

And Salford historian, Tony Flynn added "Woke up this morning to the sad news that my old chum Albert Spiby has passed away following a short illness. Still in a state of shock to be honest but I will miss him and his wicked sense of humour not forgetting his expert camera skills. Rest easy Albert."

Albert Spiby was an unmissable sight and will be sadly missed. A top bloke with a top sense of humour and a top eye for a great photo. Albert Spiby was a proper Salford character – and a Salford star...

All photos by Albert Spiby