Have just shot this newly refurbished property in Manchester Street, London, W1 for the architects Garnett + Partners. The minute I walked into this room I thought that there was something familiar about it, because it reminded me of a David Hockney painting from the sixties. Sure enough when I got back I looked through the books I have on his work and there it was a portrait of the painter Patrick Procktor standing between the two Georgian windows. Now there are similar properties in Manchester Street but the feeling that this was the one. I noticed in some photographs, taken of Hockney in the room that he used for the painting, the fireplace and it was identical to the one that had been restored in the room that I had shot. Could it be the same room? Possibly, but I always liked that period of Hockney’s work and it was good to see the paintings again.
That’s very kind of you John, thank you.
I interviewed David Oxtoby for the book; he’s still working away. Nice man.
All best,
Ian
Hi Ian,
Thank you for this and your book sounds fascinating and I will definitely buy it. Of course now you have brought to mind Derek Boshier and David Oxtoby.
Best,
John
Dear John
Patrick Procktor lived at 26 Manchester Street. My book on him, ‘Patrick Procktor: Art and Life” was published last year.
All the best
Ian Massey