recall first meeting George at a Ruskin conference at Lancaster University where I discovered the mysterious word ‘hypertext’. I got to know him over the years, especially during his visits to London when, with Ruth, we explored churches (All Saints, Margaret Street) and fountains (The Matilda Fountain by Joseph Durham), all of which George photographed enthusiastically in detail. He was always thinking of material for the Victorian Web, his great imaginative creation and now his fine legacy. But I have special memories of a study tour to Normandy in the steps of John Ruskin in June 2010 with George, James Spates and others.
In France with fellow-Ruskinians, from left to right: (a) George took this picture of me pointing to one of the carvings surrounding the Booksellers' door of Rouen Cathedral. (b) This picture was one of mine, showing George at lunch in Caen. (c) The cathedral at Chartres, taken by George from the Rue du Massacre.
We all travelled independently, from America, France and Britain to our first meeting place, Rouen, arriving at different times of the day and night. All of us congregated at the Hôtel de la Cathédrale where we had rooms, that is, except one member of the group, George! In an age before mobile phones or extensive internet connections, communications were far from simple. Eventually we found George who was staying at another hotel in much more spartan accommodation. But he rose above all the difficulties as he discovered and photographed the gothic glories of a town so dear to Ruskin. The carving shown on the left above had particular significance for both of us: Ruskin had sketched and described it in The Seven Lamps of Architecture, and it was this little fellow that Proust made a special journey or pilgrimage to find, soon after Ruskin’s death.
After a few days of congenial company, good food and much information gathering, we travelled on to Caen, Coutances, St Lô, Bayeux, and, leaving Normandy behind, we went to Chartres. George’s passion for cathedrals and gothic architecture was unabated throughout the long tour. His enthusiasm and passion for discoveries, and his energy never faltered. It was amazing! This tour with George was the seed of an idea for my book on Ruskin, Proust and Normandy, Ruskin, Proust et la Normandie : aux sources de la Recherche.
George’s immense capacity for sustained hard work was also evident when I worked closely with him preparing two e-books for the Victorian Web. Work was virtually non-stop apart from an occasional short break for dinner. The rhythm continued daily, at an accelerating pace! I continue to marvel at his energy, both physical and intellectual. He was a very special person, a fine academic, a pioneer and a friend. He has left us the great legacy of the Victorian Web that continues to thrive.
Created 3 August 2023