Viv Thomas

It’s been a long and sometimes crazy road to the top of the glamour world for Vivian Leonard Thomas. Born in South Africa but spending most of his childhood and school years in the then Rhodesian city of Bulawayo, Viv, as he is known to models and magazine readers throughout the world,began his professional life as a motor mechanic. With an eye for business, as well as the ladies, Viv quickly progressed to owning a truck and van dealership in Swaziland, where he lived for 15 years.Although a keen sportsman a serious car accident put an end to Viv’s passion for playing sport, in particular rugby, so he took up photography instead.
With a door open at the biggest men’s magazine of its time, it was now time to make a go of it in Britain full time. But after a disaster with his own photo-processing business in London, Viv found himself on the dole which meant he had to succeed in the glamour business or go bust! he had no money, so hiring a studio was out of the question. Luckily, though, he was introduced to another South African snapper, John Graham, who let him use his facilities in exchange for some work here and there. John’s advice and experience gave him the confidence and set him on the road to success and he eventually took the plunge and rented a huge studio for himself.
Viv Thomas: Biography by Richard Jones