Peter Iden died last night in St Richard's Hospital, Chichester. He had been in hospital for 2 months, with a 6 week spell in Southampton Neurological Unit, suffering from what was eventually diagnosed as a recurrence of lymphoma, this time in his brain.
He had hundreds of friends, who will all miss him very much. I have created this blog to allow people to post their memories of him for his other friends to read.
Peter or Minty (green) and Dusty (pink) were pet names we affectionately called each other derived from paint colors...his childlike spirit was so endearing and his Python-esque sense of humor transformed ordinary moments into surreal grandeur. The word 'unique' is of course technically what we all are, but Peter was gifted in so many ways, extra extra unique. Both hugely talented, yet self effacing to a fault, serious about nature yet delighting in it as a child would. He always made me feel like I was the most precious thing and very special. To do that is a VERY special thing indeed. I loved him so very much, RIP Peter, hugs xxxxx
ReplyDeletePOSTED FOR ANDREW BROOKE
ReplyDelete'A sad but touching thing about Peter is that he will have died without ever fully appreciating what a great artist he was. He was always too modest to admit that he had such talent. His landscapes could so easily have just been restful, but Peter made them exciting.'
Peter will live on through the wonderful memories he evokes. Such a sense of humour, delighting in the nature and beauty of the landscape, and being so brilliant in the way it came alive in his pictures. His many exhibitions showing his diverse styles, the precise work in his smaller pieces from the snow scenes to the stunning abstracts of the downs. I shall miss you, RIP.
ReplyDeletePOSTED FOR BRIDGET WOODS
ReplyDelete'hard to imagine a Chichester without a Peter. When I came to live here 33 years ago, he was already a local icon and then became a chum with whom to share artists' notes and a giggle and then a painting hero for me. I shall miss his humour, caring letters and thoughtful insights.
HWALB (of few)
SALG ( I know there were many)
Bridget'
POSTED FOR RICHARD PAILTHORPE
ReplyDeleteI was shocked to hear the very sad news about Peter, especially after seeing him in good form at the last private view. I am afraid I have had difficulty accessing the blog, but wanted you to know how sad I am and also express our condolences on behalf of the Museum. I always remember the exhibition Peter did here some 25 years ago.
With kind regards,
Richard
POSTED FOR GEOFFREY CLARIDGE
ReplyDelete"Coming into the house there is at the end of the room a large fresh downland picture that even on the dullest day
raises the spirits. In a shady corridor there is a collection of delicate watercolours protected from the sunlight
but which glow with their own light. On the back of each in clear and delicate handwriting is the location and
often the date of each. This is but part of the memory of a very talented artist and long time friend.
From the early days of architectural perspectives to the later great inspirational works he was always a quiet but
amusing friend. Even in difficult times, good humour was his trademark. It was a privilege to know him."
POSTED FOR ANN JASPER
ReplyDeleteI can imagine Peter's bemused smile if he knew he had a Blog! Computer technology was not for him!
I think of Peter every day when I practise Tai Chi in front of a beautiful little painting of his that I possess. It's a winter landscape of the Bepton Road, looking towards the Downs near Didling, which so much inspired him.
I have many memories of Peter's kindnesses to me. About ten years ago he lent me a wonderful easel. He and Mary carried it down Whyke Lane to my house. And Peter had also found a high chair for me to perch on and a remnant of carpet to protect my floor! Last year I suggested that it was perhaps time for me to return the easel to him, whereupon he told me to keep it. I love it.
In the days when you didn't have to apply On Line, Peter helped me to prepare my paintings to enter for the Open Art competition and would drive me up to Goodwood to deliver our paintings together. I always felt honoured to be associated with Peter, whose work of course was always accepted, mine rarely!
I'll miss having morning coffees with Peter, his wry and gentle humour, his beautifully penned letters and so much more. A dear man, a dear friend.
POSTED FOR ALAN GREEN
ReplyDeleteWith the untimely death of Peter Iden, Chichester has lost a great artist and a very good friend.
Outwardly quiet and unassuming Peter was great fun to be with. His particular sense of humour and outlook on life always made for lively conversation. I have always loved his work, as do so many others, but it always seemed to amaze him how many people turned up at his previews and queued to buy. Indeed, trying to buy a particular painting could be like trying to buy the last turkey in Waitrose on Christmas Eve. It was over this that - for the one and only time - I got a little bit cross with him. I was queueing to buy a painting (of East Pallant) which, to my intense annoyance, was bought by the person in front of me - and Peter declined my request to paint a copy! I quickly forgave him when he explained that all his pictures caught a particular moment - and that moment had now gone so repeats were impossible
Amongst my collection of 'Idens' are two of his Cornish coastal scenes that hang opposite the end of my bed. As such They are the first pictures I see when I wake up in the morning so I shall be reminded of him every day.
Peter Iden's work will be admired as long as art exists but Chichester is not going to be the same without him.
POSTED FOR ANNE CHADWICK
ReplyDeleteGreatly admiring of Peter's talent, commitment and extraordinary ability to produce so many beautiful paintings despite terrible ill health and gruelling hospital appointments. His wit, kind encouragement, appreciation and thoughtful missives will be much missed; also his comradeship in a difficult and largely solitary profession.
Fortunately, I have two small, painterly jewels which will always inspire and remind me of him. Sadly, we will never see his painting develop through old age - but at least, in Artists' Paradise, he won't have to produce 'potboilers' nor see his beloved natural landscape diminish.
Heartfelt sympathy to Rachel, Ron and Mary who gave him so much loving support and care.
Anne
POSTED FOR ANN CHADWICK
ReplyDeleteGreatly admiring of Peter's talent, commitment and extraordinary ability to produce so many beautiful paintings despite terrible ill health and gruelling hospital appointments. His wit, kind encouragement, appreciation and thoughtful missives will be much missed; also his comradeship in a difficult and largely solitary profession.
Fortunately, I have two small, painterly jewels which will always inspire and remind me of him. Sadly, we will never see his painting develop through old age - but at least, in Artists' Paradise, he won't have to produce 'potboilers' nor see his beloved natural landscape diminish.
Heartfelt sympathy to Rachel, Ron and Mary who gave him so much loving support and care.
Anne
I was Immensely upset to hear the sad news about Peter. It wasn't long ago that I saw him at his last show and we went for a tea in East Street. Peter was my best mate and very important to me as I had known him since I moved to Chichester from London in 1967 and we had written to each other and kept in touch throughout the time I knew him. He has advised and inspired me over the years and I owe a lot to him for his kindness and encouragement. I went to a life drawing class in Oxford last night and wondered how Peter would have dealt with that pose and what colors he would have used. He was immensely talented and yet so modest and sadly he never really benefited from his talents. Peter has left a legacy of fine artworks of Chichester and his beloved South Downs and will be remembered as Chichester's most famous artist.
DeleteIt was a privilege to know him and I will miss him.
Fred
POSTED FOR LIS, ONE OF PETER'S NEIGHBOURS.
ReplyDeleteI shall always remember Peter telling the story of how he found a hat on one of his many visits to Halnaker Windmill. He wove such a lovely story about it and it seemed so magical. He was an accomplished artist and a lovely friend and neighbour and I feel as if I have known him for ever. He did so much for us at Halley’s Court and he will be sadly missed. Keep painting Peter and find some new colours that we cannot see on Earth. With love from us all.
A few years ago, while visiting Chichester, I dived into the Oxmarket to get out of the rain. I stayed for about two hours, completely mesmerised by a room full of paintings of a quality, originality and sincerity of a kind I'd rarely seen. Indeed I came away having bought - alas, only - a small one, which I couldn't afford, but which at the same time I definitely couldn't afford not to go have. In the subsequent years I made a point of visiting four or five of Peters shows, bought some more of his paintings (though never enough!), and spoke to him each time. I was struck by his warmth, humour, and modesty; modesty that resisted my urging that he was actually a far more original and important painter than anyone - including he - seemed to realise. (I'm serious about this; when the history of C20th English art finally falls into place he will occupy a very clear and distinct position in it; as a landscape artist - and of course "landscape" is always about so much more - he was a true original, with a very clear distinct and piercing vision.) I was very much looking forward to following his further development - he seemed to be working at the height of his powers - as his work deepened in meaning and insight. And though we only met a handful of times, I actually feel as though I've lost a good friend - one who I wish I'd met many years before, and known better. Chichester will always seem a slightly emptier place now: but I will never again see the Downs in particular without seeing them through Peters clear, affectionate, enchanted eyes.
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