I went to a friend’s funeral last week. Dougie was old and increasingly dealing with complaints that come with the passing years. I only knew him in his latter years, though his skills as a theatre set designer were apparent around his home on the Essex borders from the posters of iconic plays from the 50s and 60s.
We talked about the man and his legacy and meeting some of those who’d learnt at the end of his paintbrush – he taught at RADA for 25 odd years – was revelatory.
It’s good to celebrate a life fully lived.
My last memory of him is him playing a dodgy vicar in a murder I wrote for his and our families a year or so ago. He wasn’t very mobile, but he added his usual cheek and humour to his part.
On the way back – he lived at the Eastern end of the central line – I needed to pass through Leytonstone.
Leytonstone is the birth place of Alfred Hitchcock . I’ve stopped before, but back then, I was in a bit of a rush. The reason to break my journey was to view and photograph the mosaic panels erected in his honour on the 100th anniversary of his birth in 1999. These screens line the underpasses that serve as access to the tube line and are small delightful joys. Each is labelled, but the game is to try and guess which of his films is being captured. PS There are some images that reflect Hitchcock’s life and times, just to confuse you. Ready…?
As I took time appreciating the skill of the artist, I thought about Dougie and his talents at creating illusions on stage. Every picture tells a story, eh. Oh, to have that talent for storytelling.
TanGental 
Those panels are amazing! What a fantastic idea to make them. And I am sorry for your loss, Geoff. But what great memories you shared.
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They are grand. Always a delight to find these gems.
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I love those panels – identified Psycho, The Birds, Read Window, North by Northwest, Vertigo. I’m truly sorry for the loss of your friend but his was a great life, with celebrating!
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Oh! That’s a nice set of closing words he sound a fun and talented friend, sorry for your loss.🌹🌹
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He was. I didn’t know him long but he brought many a smile
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Some people do that don’t they? The slightest touch makes a huge impact 💜
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Always sad to lose a friend, but it sounds like he lived a good life. I too love those posters. I identified a couple of the obvious ones.
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They are terrific. And yes sad but pretty fulfilled
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Sorry to hear of your friend’s death, but he seemed to have had an interesting life. Being an ‘old-Essex girl,’ I went to Pitman’s College, near Leytonstone and often visited. How fascinating to see Hitchcock’s films depicted there. I recognised many of them.
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I think those touches are great. When I was photographing them two people asked me what they were even though each has an explanation!
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Well, you do have your own talent for storytelling and who knows, maybe one day you’ll have a mosaic in honour of one of your stories.
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Unlikely but thank you for the encouragement
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I’m sorry for the loss of your friend Geoff. Those panels are amazing.
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They are. Love me a good Hitchcock
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I’m sorry for the loss of your friend, Geoff. Look no further than your keyboard for a storytelling talent. (no I don’t want anything for saying so)
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Aw shucks…
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😊
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Your friend looks like he was a character! Sorry for your loss. I was just thinking of Hitchcock’s brilliance yesterday.
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I saw the post. And thank you.
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The tile panels are incredible and a perfect tribute to Hitchcock. So sorry to hear about your friend’s passing.
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Thanks Jennie. I love things like those panels. Small unexpected treats
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Yes indeed!
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