Doreen Fletcher - A Retrospective

Better late than never but collage is from exhibition in Bow Arts Trust of works by East End painter Doreen Fletcher (who I think lives in Forest Gate, Newham).

What fantastic paintings from someone who so discouraged by lack of recognition that she gave up in 2004. Her paintings only came to public knowledge (and acclaim) in 2014.

I never thought that my Forest Gate Dentist surgery would feature in a work of art.

The exhibition finishes tomorrow (26 March). 

Ronald Valentine Higgins RIP - Socialist, Footballer, Trade Unionist & War Hero

I was sad to hear yesterday of the death of 92 year old Labour Party loyalist, Ronald Valentine Higgins (his middle name is due to being born on 14 February!).

Ronald had a long and fascinating life as a East End Steelworker, semi-professional football player, war time Lancaster Bomber Gunner, Docker, trade unionist and life long Labour supporter.

I remember meeting him at a Labour Party BBQ on Wanstead flats many years ago and being so impressed by this quiet, friendly, unassuming man, who had done so much in his life for his country and working people.

See the tribute here from the Newham Recorder.

Picture is of Ron supporting a Labour Party stall in Green Street last year and making clear what he believes in. 

RIP Ron and condolences to your family.

Vidal Sassoon: East End Anti-Fascist Streetfighter, Soldier and Hairdresser

Vidal Sassoon died yesterday aged 84. What an amazing life. A tough East Ender brought up during the Second World War in an orphanage, who was
apprenticed as a hairdresser in Whitechapel at age 14.

During which he become an anti-fascist street brawler who then went on to fight as an Israeli soldier before returning to London to become one of the fashionable
icons of the swinging 60s.

Early this year I heard him being interviewed on Desert Island discs. A complex man who had a very hard start in life but who did achieve material success due purely to his enormous talent and aptitude. I did not know him at all but I suspect he was one of those fascinating but ever so demanding charactors. I would recommend you listern to the interview with Kirsty.

(picture of Vidal with Mary Quant)

Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda

Bow, East London.