Re: De Rose Family
 

I have often walked past this house on my way from Asda to the railway station. It's on the left as you go up the hill about a third to half way up. The name is inscribed on the gate posts and I often wondered if it had anything to do with marble.

Re: De Rose Family
 

Benn Herman DeRose.
Private 556510 Labour Corps.
Born in Vilva, Russia, age 34, occupation Musician.
Home address. Carara Cottage, Accrington.
Married to Edith Ellen, son Gerard Henrique born 21-08-1918.
Discharged from the Army 3-Jan-1919 at Prees Heath.


Retlaw.

Re: De Rose Family
 

Hello Theo.
My father was Leslie Richardson who was probably Gerry's oldest friend. They met on the first day of school: Gerry launched himself onto dad's back!
Leslie also won a place at the royal college of art, punctuated by becoming the radio operator on a mine sweeper for the duration of the war, then returning to college, finishing his stint there, marrying my mother and having me before they even left!
Leslie became a teacher at the London school of printing, which became the London college of graphic art, teaching fine art. He had many fine students, but by far and away his best was Ralph Steadman, who still valued his opinion right to the end. Dad died on the 22nd November 2014, aged 95. He still owned a very nearly full sized self portrait of Gerry which was given to him many years ago and depicts a young Gerry standing on a black and white tile floor, scattered with playing cards. My sisters and I remember him very clearly from all our childhood.
I have also just discovered that you have met my son James, who is an art director in films. What a very small world!