A successful open Shearer, Richard Sampey is a South Islander from North Canterbury, New Zealand, who has been shearing sheep for the past 20 years and has a passion for photography. In early 2000 Richard was living in Western Australia.

Taking snaps for his private collection turned into a fully-fledged business when shearing competition organisers, impressed with the quality of photos taken, began requesting copies for both private and commercial purposes.

Supporting the cause

In 2001 Richard co-founded what is now known as “The Flatmates Art Company”. This allowed Richard to give something back to an industry he cherishes, with donations from photo cd’s and calendars going to worthy causes.

The release of the 2005 World Shearing and 2004 Shearing Calendars allow The Flatmates Art Company to further support the Shearing industry, and also give a higher profile to both the industry and the many wonderful people involved in it.

The future

Since starting The Flatmates Art Company, Richard has been up and down the coasts of New Zealand and regularly travels overseas to England, Scotland and Germany to combine work, photography and hobbies, (air shows), and to catch up with friends.

In June 2003 Richard attended the World Shearing Championships in Edinburgh, Scotland, and you can be sure that his cameras were working overtime. If you are interested in past and present show photos, his photo library offers a large range. Next time you see Richard clicking away at a show, feel free to say, "Hello".

And a BIG “Thank You” to…

Richard would also like to say a big thanks to all the "willing" volunteers from Scotland, Australia and New Zealand, who made the 2004 Shearing Calendar possible; and a special thanks to David and John Fagan, and Des Williams for their support.