War over. Now for civvy street. Attached myself by contract, as his personal assistant for 3 years, 1946 - 48, to John Vickers, No.1 in theatre photography in London & who had sole rights to all Old Vic Theatre Co. productions, a time when they were at their height. I lived in the theatre for most of that time & got drunk on the spoken word, especially Shakespeare. My cheeks were wet throughout much of King Lear with Olivier as Lear, Ralph Richardson as Gloucester & The Fool played by Alec Guinness.
However, sometimes, although rarely, there is need to photograph people other than actors. So, on this special day we head towards Hampstead Heath, where, nearby lives a pianist of great repute. We are warmly welcomed. I set up & position as much as I can & leave all else to my 'master'. I look round & am overcome, pianos & harpsichords, about 6 or 7. Vast rooms leading from one into another. The piano & pianist are now the objects of attention for photographs by JV. I approach a harpsichord, never having been so close before - what an incredibly beautiful, ornate & complex creature. The wife of the pianist takes me on a ' guided tour, these are her instruments, although she no longer plays in public. From time to time we were allowed to 'disrupt' the piano session & have one of our own.
I learned more later. She was originally from the U.S.A., her maiden name, Lucille Wallace. She studied in Vienna & at the Sorbonne. She also spent much time in study with Schnabel, Wanda Landowska & Nadia Boulanger. Ralph Kirkpatrick referred to her as " the most interesting & intelligent of his pupils." Ultimately, personal problems caused her to cease almost all public appearances. A great pity. However, the BBC 3rd. Programme opened on Sept. 29th.1946, it's first day of broadcasting & which resulted in her being invited, that evening, to perform Bach's Goldberg Variations.
Throughout her marriage she remained utterly devoted to her husband & his career.
They made a very close & loving pair & in spite of many awards & distinctions were very happy to be known quite simply as Mr. & Mrs. Clifford Curzon.
However, sometimes, although rarely, there is need to photograph people other than actors. So, on this special day we head towards Hampstead Heath, where, nearby lives a pianist of great repute. We are warmly welcomed. I set up & position as much as I can & leave all else to my 'master'. I look round & am overcome, pianos & harpsichords, about 6 or 7. Vast rooms leading from one into another. The piano & pianist are now the objects of attention for photographs by JV. I approach a harpsichord, never having been so close before - what an incredibly beautiful, ornate & complex creature. The wife of the pianist takes me on a ' guided tour, these are her instruments, although she no longer plays in public. From time to time we were allowed to 'disrupt' the piano session & have one of our own.
I learned more later. She was originally from the U.S.A., her maiden name, Lucille Wallace. She studied in Vienna & at the Sorbonne. She also spent much time in study with Schnabel, Wanda Landowska & Nadia Boulanger. Ralph Kirkpatrick referred to her as " the most interesting & intelligent of his pupils." Ultimately, personal problems caused her to cease almost all public appearances. A great pity. However, the BBC 3rd. Programme opened on Sept. 29th.1946, it's first day of broadcasting & which resulted in her being invited, that evening, to perform Bach's Goldberg Variations.
Throughout her marriage she remained utterly devoted to her husband & his career.
They made a very close & loving pair & in spite of many awards & distinctions were very happy to be known quite simply as Mr. & Mrs. Clifford Curzon.
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