Tributes celebrate life through a lens as top Wolverhampton photographer dies
A photographer who captured life in the West Midlands in a career that spanned more than half a century has died aged 77.
David Cave worked as an industrial and commercial photographer, documenting huge changes in technology. He died at his home in Wolverhampton.
The father-of-two's studios were based in the old Victorian school in the village of Swindon, near Wombourne, and since semi-retiring, at his home in Wightwick.
His photographs recording life in the West Midlands frequently featured in the Express & Star, and other city and national publications.
He specialised in industrial and architectural photography, including documenting the glass industry in Brierley Hill.
He was also the official photographer for the visit of Princess Diana.
Mr Cave travelled the world for companies such as Kvaerner, Trafalgar House, Pioneer Concrete, British Steel/Corus/Tata, Hotpoint, Cannon and Creda.
A committed member of the Tettenhall Rotary Club, he was awarded the special Paul Harris Fellow Sapphire Award in 2013 for his service to the community through Rotary and especially his work with the Wolverhampton Youth Orchestras.
He was educated at Birchfield School and later at Shrewsbury School, having lived most of his early life with his parents at Seisdon Hall in South Staffordshire.
He studied photography at Wednesbury College where he met his wife, Lynne.
They were married in 1964 and have two daughters: Elizabeth Needham-Bennett, a senior producer with BBC News in London and Kathryn Wright, a vet with the local Connaught Veterinary practice.
Last year, Mr Cave was diagnosed with motor neurone disease but continued working as a photographer until a few weeks ago.
Paying tribute to her husband, Lynne Cave said: "David died peacefully on Thursday whilst resting and enjoying the warmth of the spring sunshine.
"He was the most wonderful husband and father and we cannot imagine life without him. We are so grateful to our many good friends, especially those in Tettenhall Rotary Club for their love and support."
Funeral details have yet to be finalised but it will be family flowers only, with donations to Compton Hospice or the MND Association.
