Over the weekend PAN had news that Allan Day, photo-agency salesman extraordinaire, passed away peacefully on Thursday, 11th January aged 91.
John Selby – of Rex Features’ founding family -sent PAN this: Allan began his Fleet Street career as a messenger for Planet News at the age of 15, going on to work for UPI, Popperfoto and Pictorial Press. He was recruited by Rex Features photo agency in 1966, when founders Frank and Elizabeth Selby recognised his outstanding abilities as a salesman. Joining a team of just 5, Allan contributed greatly to the growth and success of Rex, and became Sales Director in 1971, staying with the Company until his retirement in 2002, by which time Rex had grown to a staff of over 90.
He was revered by photographers and picture editors alike, the former secure in the knowledge that their photo-exclusives were in safe hands, the latter in anticipation of the next days’ offering of top-quality photo stories and exclusives to show to their Editors.
Many of the major headline-making exclusives published in the British Press came through Allan’s hands. He was known for his professionalism and integrity, trusted implicitly by both sides of the industry, and loved and respected by his colleagues.
Allan’s funeral will be on Wednesday 7th February at 1.30pm, All Saint’s Parish Church, Church Lane, Writtle, Essex CM1 3EN.
His family request no flowers, contributions to The Alzheimer Society.
• Rex Features founders, the Selby family, are preparing a full obituary to Allan which we will post as soon as we get it.
• View all Rex Features news on PAN
Thanks to John Selby, Greg Watts and Rick Colls for additional details on this report.
Sad to hear of Allan’s death today.
He and the team at Rex provided a slick and efficient service to newspapers and magazines. I was a regular at the Vine Hill offices, from the mid 70s when I was Picture Editing at The Guardian, then from 81-82 at the short livd Now! magazine, and latterly, working with Harry Evans at The Times.
He knew pretty well every picture in the Rex files- all without the benefit of computers, of course. He was a a smooth operator, squeezing the last few quid out of a deal, while persuading you that he was in fact doing you a special personal price!
We all end up in the Obit files, so thanks for triggering these memories Allan.
A true legend of Fleet Street, beyond a doubt the best salesperson ever in the industry. An honour to have known and worked with him. Deepest sympathies to Beryl, Martin and Yvonne. RIP Allan.
The consummate salesman, manager and gentleman. He taught so many of us the business and will be fondly remembered by all who dealt with him. I’ve never known anyone who could sell a picture like him. He’d often leave a tiny cutting on my desk with the most ridiculously high high agreed fee written on it.
He was always immaculately dressed and kept himself fit, (you’d often turn round and he’d be doing chin-ups on his door frame (he’d have been over 60 at the time). He was my boss for 8 years and I still try to live by his example.
Ultimately he was a very kind and compassionate person who took the time to talk to people no matter their status. It’s another end of an era and a very sad loss.
A truly wonderful man, who meant a great deal to many people. After being recommended to him, Allan took my Dad on at Rex and I know how much he meant to him and subsequently my family throughout the years. I was lucky enough to see him at my Dad’s funeral almost 5 years ago, dressed sharply as ever and as kind as ever. My thoughts are with Beryl and her children. God Bless, Allan.
An absolute gentleman who earnt every ounce of the respect he received from staff and editors. A very kind, calm and supportive manager who I was lucky enough to be guided by for my first 7 years at Rex. I too remember having conversations with him about the overnight material and exclusive offerings whilst watching him doing his pull ups and emptying his morning swim bag, in fact I was only discussing it with a colleague last week. I will be forever grateful for the amazing role he gave me at Rex. It’s very sad to hear of his passing, he was a true legend. Thoughts are with Beryl and the family. RIP Mr Day.
I had the absolute pleasure of first meeting Allan in 1970 when I started my own career with Rex and was immediately aware of the respect he had in the business.
He obtained fantastic publications for the many photographers represented by the company and his reputation as a remarkable salesman was unequalled.
I am sadly unable to attend his funeral but send my sincere condolences to Beryl and the family.