Peter Harron

10/31/1940 - 6/26/2025

Essex - Peter Harron of Essex, was born Oct. 31, 1940, in Hamilton, Bermuda, to the late Hal Young Harron and the late Phylis West Harron. He passed away suddenly June 26, 2025. He leaves his beloved wife, Colette Harron; and two sisters, Diana and Aramynta; his nephews, Wendell Anderson and Charles Anderson; and many friends and family in Bermuda, Connecticut, and New York. He was predeceased by his sister, Andrea.

Peter spent his childhood with his three sisters in Bermuda. He attended Appleby College in Canada, the Hatch School in Newport, R.I., Emerson College in Boston, The New School, and HB Studio in New York.

Peter, a lifelong artist, began his creative journey with still photography. His father gifted him a camera and a developing kit when he was nine years old which he put to immediate use. A creative soul, he eventually transitioned into theatre and film production. He started his film career as an actor, then directed plays at New York's 8th Street Playhouse, ultimately becoming a producer.

Peter studied with Uta Hagen, as well as Lee Strasbourg in The Director's Unit and produced with Edward Albee. He was the cinematographer on the anti-war documentary "Anti-War Music Festival," which featured Jimi Hendrix, among other major rock stars, as well as "Listen America" and the documentary "Raoni." Peter also, directed the musical, "The Fantasticks," in Bermuda.

Peter developed a distinctive photographic style that provided him with a unique perspective on the world. He favored black and white film for its dream-like quality, and his large-format silver gelatin prints were exhibited at numerous galleries. He captured the immediate aftermath of 9/11 in a series titled "Sept 2001," which was created to pay homage to the victims. This work was featured in "Here Is New York" at the Spring Street Gallery and the Museum of Modern Art. Another notable project was his documentation of Woodstock in 1969. Throughout his life, he exhibited extensively in galleries and museums, actively participating in the vibrant New York art scene.

Peter was always drawn to the water; he sailed and raced sailboats in Bermuda at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club and locally at the Essex Yacht Club. In 1955, he and his family established the Essex Pettipaug Yacht Club. Peter served as a junior commodore at the club, where he shared his knowledge and passion for the sport.

Peter loved to photograph the light and cool shadows at dawn in Colette's beautiful garden in Essex. Peter's inimitable style and sophistication, along with his broad knowledge, wit and unwavering love for Colette, his friends and family, will be deeply missed.

Donations may be made in Peter's memory to: The Essex Fire Department; or the Valley Shore Animal Welfare.