Dear Friend,
It is with great sadness that we advise that Edward Longbottom (1971) has passed peacefully away.
"Edward moved to Cornwall from Edinburgh on retirement from his consultancy work as an exhibition designer of some repute. Just before retirement he designed the major Impressionists exhibition at the National Gallery of Scotland.
He was one of the first cohort on the new Exhibition Design degree at Hull College of Art. The first course on the subject in the country.
Several years into his new life in Penzance, he recently completed the renovation of a Victorian house with great skill and panache.
Those of our era would recall that Edward was one of the “stars” of Ashcroft’s art room. A great technician, he worked elegantly and precisely in any chosen medium. Ironically, back then he could be found copying, in oils, the works of the Impressionists.
Edward suffered from declining health in his early 60’s, but on moving to Cornwall, he was fortunate to receive a kidney transplant that revived his health such that he could actively enjoy his later years in the artistic community of West Penwith. Indeed he became something of a local character racing along the waterfront in his little electric car to carry out a changeover on his delightful fisherman’s cottage, which he let out to holiday-makers in Newlyn.
In Penzance he was also able to renew his lifelong interest in traditional sailing boats joining a preservation trust which owned one of the last of the local sailing trawlers.
I know that at least a few OLs kept in touch, following his (somewhat reluctant) attendance at the “45 years on” reunion organised by David Currie, which Edward later told me he enjoyed immensely.
He will be remembered for his style and wit and his amazing cooking skills. He was a great host and a loyal friend to many.
Geoffrey Haslam"
Regards
Dave Burrows
