Bob and the arts – Malcolm MacGarvin

February 21, 2016

I knew Bob from the Greenpeace days onward. What to write? Having read all the contributions, I thought I’d add a bit more about Bob’s contribution to, and appreciation of, art in all its forms. Of which some vignettes, and some related photos.

Vignettes

My first impression from staying over in Bob’s flat in Ladbroke Grove was the artwork (including Picasso) on the walls and the vast collection of classical CDs in the 1990s when music was very expensive. All this heard on the Quad stereo with its huge black electrostatic panel speakers, dominating the room like two flat obelisks from Kubrick’s 2001 – first in London, then in Pete’s barn, then at the Cottage. With Bob in full flow, such as “You absolutely must listen to this – Quartor Vegh. Beethoven … first time I heard this (String Quartet No. 14 in C sharp)” says Bob “it blew me away – music so far ahead of its time …” Or a short burst of subtle conducting by Bob, perhaps in response to some Mahler. All typically accompanied by decent wine and some inside story. Bob played a major part in making classical music a part of my life. His seat is now empty, but at least his personality, as represented by his collection, lives on, replicated in mine.

It should also be said that Bob had an ability to conjure tickets, at no or low cost, typically “from an old friend” (often female). Cue Glyndebourne, Bob, camera in hand, fag, wine, sunny day, picnic on the lawn, for a performance of Julius Caesar – Bob was sceptical of the long Handel opera but blown away by the vivacious performances, notably that of the Cleopatra (not the only one … she subsequently married the boss of Glyndebourne).

Then there was the photography, Bob equipped with the photographer’s lust object of the time, a Leica M6, with the lenses to match. Pictures in the Science Photo library from old Greenpeace toxics campaigns still brought in the occasional surprise of a cheque. But Bob especially had a remarkable ability to get people he didn’t know to relax in front of the camera, with some of the best from India. I was delighted to help realise his images via the dark arts of printmaking.

Then there were the films. Apart from his film making, already better described by others, there was the huge DVD collection, and then the home barn cinema … accompanied by Bob’s (entirely appropriate) memorable venting of frustration with the complex set up procedures of first generation home movies.

There were also the books – “You absolutely must read Pax Britannica, Malcolm. She got it absolutely right about the British Empire, magnificent. Jan Morris – Interesting author- changed sex midway through writing it”.

About all of this wove the conversation, now at an end.

Bob  “No pockets in a shroud”. Rest in peace.

 

Written by kalikellett Posted in Uncategorized