Rudi Patterson Died – But Liveth Again «

Rudi Patterson Died – But Liveth Again

Saturday 19th April 2014

What a message for Easter! Rudi Patterson died last year. A painter, who painted and painted despite lack of world attention and lived as he wished in Notting Hill, he was an intimate friend of Royston King, who runs London’s heritage. A retrospective exhibition has been arranged at Leighton House by Royston and others. Do go and see it. It’s on now. The paintings are delightful.

Moira Stuart opened the exhib. Oh yes! She was not to be graphed having been up since 4 a.m. but she looked and sounded superb. Rudi arrived from Jamaica in the 60s. He wished to act. He was a model for Mr Fish. He had a part in Z Cars. Then, as a result of misfortune, he turned to painting. I never met Rudi. In fact I’d never heard of him before. But I love the whole idea of him and in my mind has formed a vision of him, not giving a damn in essence, living rackety and free in Notting Hill with paintings pouring out. There were a number of exhibitions and the flat was found to be stacked with work after this death. Moira said Rudi was a great life-enhancer which may be a cliché but is true of few. Only a few shake off the shackles of reputation and grandeur in pursuit of an audience.

I mingled at the PV after the speeches knowing no-one. But soon I was known. The Jamaican Gays were of a certain age but still sensational. Leee John was present. A huge star apparently of a group called ‘Imagination’. Awfully charming. Another had been in ‘Hair’. A Jamaican hatter was in Moschino from the 80s. He has taken to telephoning me. I’m not sure whether he wants coverage on Dainty Lady TV or something else. Talk was dirty and old-school. These Gays have not been modernised. Gay Marriage they don’t like. They don’t want respectability.

Hurrah!

Rudi seemed to have many nephews, improbably young, since he passed at 80. One was in a bowler hat.