ne afternoon in the autumn in 2011, when George and Ruth Landow were here in England on one of their regular visits, we ventured into a church by the river Thames, St Mary's, Sunbury, designed by a "rogue" Victorian Gothicist Samuel Teulon. It is rather an unusual church, with a good deal of both architectural and literary interest, and we were lucky enough to be shown round. George was in his element, taking pictures and asking questions about the architect, the stained glass and so forth. It was pleasant to be able to stand back and let someone else do the hard work, although of course it was not at all hard work for George, whose mental energy and enthusiasm alike knew no bounds. The discovery that one of the stained glass artists was a woman pleased him greatly.
Left: St Mary the Virgin, Sunbury (taken by Phil Beauchamp). You can see the benches by the river. The old ferry house is just a bit further along. Right: Window showing St. Matthew and St. Thomas, designed by (Mrs.) Eve Ostrehan (taken by George).
Afterwards we crossed the road to the river, the same road that Dickens would have travelled when visiting his friend Albert Smith in Chertsey, and the road along which, Dickens tells us, a frightened Oliver Twist passes, on the way to the botched robbery with Bill Sikes. Another Victorian author familiar with the area, George Meredith, would have known this road well too, since for some time he lived just upstream in the next village, Lower Halliford. The river here is the setting for one of his best-known poems. To these associations another would now be added: sitting on a bench by the old ferry house, the four of us talked animatedly about architecture, design, literature, and, naturally, our families. George was generous with his wisdom and knowledge, and there was no division in his life beween his different passions. Ruth enjoyed and shared his pleasure in them. They were marvellous friends with each other, and with each other's friends. I remember exclaiming, "You talk so fast!" The words tumbled out. George was eager to explore new ideas as well as new places, and there was so much to say, and learn.
The sun was going down, the swans were gathering in their special roosting spot under the next bridge. Eventually, of course, it was time to move on. That time always comes. It brings great sadness, but it leaves wonderful memories filled with joy. Our more than two decades of friendship and co-operation on this, George's pioneering website and lasting legacy, have enriched my life in countless ways. How hard it is to put my gratitude into words.
Created 27 July 2023