Lichfield's 'last choice' pictures

A limited edition calendar featuring some of the late Lord Lichfield's pictures, which were picked out by him personally in the weeks before his sudden death, is to go on sale

The photographer had already selected the collection of pictures, out of those he had taken over the years for the renowned Unipart calendars, when he died earlier this month.

His personal choice was to be used in a "best of" calendar and Unipart have now decided to create the calendar he had envisaged as a lasting tribute to his memory.

Their decision to produce the limited edition calendar for 2006 was taken after consulting Lord Lichfield's family and will feature what they have called the "Lichfield Selection".

John Neill, Unipart's group chief executive, said: "Patrick became a personal friend during his 25-year association with Unipart. His death was a sad loss for me and all his friends here."

Mr Neill said Lichfield, who is perhaps most famous for being the official photographer at the wedding of the Prince of Wales to Diana, had taken the calendar to "new heights of lyrical beauty" and in new and exciting directions.

He added: "Patrick's personal choice of photographs allows a fascinating insight into an artist's mind. This calendar represents a journey over 17 years of shoots and is a lasting tribute to one of the greatest-ever British photographers."

Pictures in the calendar include one of model Karen Pini standing naked in a field eating an apple, previously used in 1979, and another of a model standing on the balcony of Rock Hudson's New York apartment, used in 1991.

This last Lichfield Unipart Calendar will be sold to raise money for two charities, Acorns and the automotive industry charity, BEN.

Lord Lichfield was a founding patron of the Midlands-based charity Acorns, which supports three children's hospices, and supported their work up to his death.

The photographer, who was also the Queen's first cousin once removed, died just over two weeks ago, aged 66, after suffering a stroke while staying with friends in the Oxford area.