BARRY FLANAGAN O.B.E. R.A.
I begin this page at the end with the final email that I wrote to Barry.
It was 12 days before he died.
His partner, Jessica, told me it was the last email he read.
” Dear Barry
I went yesterday, invited by Phili, Chris’s ex girlfriend, to visit a
young man called Benedetto Pietromarchi who has just received a two year scholarship from the Kenneth Armitage Foundation.
He will live and work in Armitage’s old studio in West Kensington,
which apart from the large work space on the ground floor, reminded me of a lighthouse or boat.
However it was interesting to hear from those there, how a renaissance
has sprung up amongst younger artists, for your earlier work.
Perhaps, partly, because the British Council’s Bi Viennale
retrospective, has given it exposure.
Your softer 60’s, early 70’s work, is becoming quite an inspiration
to a younger generation, who had always associated you, just with the
Hare.
I have to say it warmed the cockles of my heart to hear a group of
young sculptors, discussing the implications of your early
explorations.
Hope for the future,
As ever
Robin……”
Nijinski Hare on Anvil
