I knew Anthony for a long time, but it was only in recent years when a mutual friend (Andrew Feest) recommended that I do some design work for him and his work partner Ellie that I really got to know him. I worked with him on the Hartlebury Castle visitor interpretation project, and got to know him both professionally and personally during that time, and we remained good friends. Professionally, I found Anthony to be both inspiring and encouraging to work with. On the surface, he always managed to present an air of calm, particularly as deadlines approached, and rather like a magician he managed to overcome any difficulties, and ensured that everything fell into place on target. Ellie must also be given credit for her contribution to the work and co-ordination involved, and for keeping Anthony focused, as he had a tendency to go off on tangents at times. Anthony had excellent people skills, and was able to draw out the best of one’s abilities and creative ideas. He was an enabler.
Whilst working with Anthony and Ellie, he introduced me and my partner Tony to the history and culture of the Black Country, often over a few pints of delicious real ale, which was a passion we shared. He originated from that area, and was very proud of his heritage. He was also a lover of this country, and was passionate about keeping history real. For example, he expressed dismay at how local accents were incorrectly represented at a major industrial living museum. For Anthony, differences in local dialect between villages and towns were to be celebrated and preserved rather than be degraded and standardised. How we communicated in times past compared with now is all part of our unique history and culture that Anthony valued so much.
Anthony had a keen sense for detail in his work, also as a person. He was always neatly and fashionably attired, walking with a light spring in his step and a gleam in his eye; more representative of youth than a man approaching his 80’s. His energy and enthusiasm for all he undertook was truly inspiring. His ready smile was genuine, revealing his warmth and sense of fun. He was very entertaining company, relating many amusing and interesting anecdotes from his full life and career.
I received a cancer diagnosis shortly before Anthony. We would chat on the phone, joking at being members of a club that neither of us wanted to belong to. We would laugh about our experiences and try to remain positive. Those chats I miss very much. When current travel restrictions are lifted, we hope to visit the Black Country again to celebrate Anthony’s life, refreshing ourselves with Batham’s bitter, his favourite tipple, and remembering happy times shared with him there.
Jeff Sanders and Anthony Gordon