Richard Sadler: Coventry post-war photographer

Richard Sadler - Coventry Post-War Photographer.

Richard Sadler has passed away at 90. Richard documented the opening of the Coventry Arts Umbrella club with the Goons, in the Umbrella's original premises in Little Park Street, Coventry, in 1955. (Photos of the Umbrella Below)

His photos were published in The Journal of London Independent Photography. http://www.londonphotography.org.uk/magazine/pdf/LIPJWinter02.pdf

The Goons in Coventry 1955 with Umbrellas!! Photo Richard Sadler.

Richard Sadler - Nicola Young Photography

BBC Coventry and Warwickshire Article

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-52758152?fbclid=IwAR3xmKxHrvxpEangTQpby7yX9MIlJSFxubvGkqp_iM0HtntEAEVhqGTfsQ4#

"Richard Sadler lived through the German bombing of the city and documented the rebuilding of the cathedral.

Dr Ben Kyneswood, of Coventry University, said he was "probably Coventry's pre-eminent post-war photographer".

Sadler captured ordinary life around the city and the poverty that remained, despite Coventry's post-war boom.

Jason Scott Tilley from Coventry's Photo Archive Miners group, described him as "theatrical" an "extrovert" and "one of these characters who came out of that booming city after the war and made a name for himself".

He said Sadler was special because he was a perfectionist. Dr Kyneswood added that because he was a fine art photographer by trade, he was taught to take one photograph at a time and spent a lot of time framing his photos before he took them.

Michael Pritchard from the British Photographic History website said Sadler was "one of British photography's important post-war figures".

In his 60-year career, he worked for many of the big local companies, including Jaguar, Wimpey, the University of Derby, Courtaulds, the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Belgrade Theatre.

He also worked with playwright John Wiles on 'Never Had it So Good', a social documentary about the city, performed at Coventry's Belgrade Theatre.

A body of Sadler's work has been digitized by Dr Kyneswood and colleagues as part of the Photo Miners project.

He died at his home in Monmouthshire after a short illness.

A Richard Sadler Photograph -  This man was photographed at the Coventry research centre of fabric-makers Courtaulds.

A Richard Sadler Photograph - Copies of Weegee the Famous are held by the National Portrait Gallery and the Victoria & Albert Museum among others.

Sadler's photos combined the modern city and everyday life.

New York City is full of bustle and business, and Richard Sandler has been capturing it perfectly since the 80s. In his ongoing series, he captures a slew of New Yorkers commuting to work everyday via taxi, bus or subway or by foot. https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/richard-sadler

RICHARD SADLER - REBUILDING OF THE TOTALLY DESTROYED CITY CENTRE OF COVENTRY -1948 – 1950.

Two Tone Photographer John Coles has said that Richard Sadler developed some of his early band photographs.

This is the article on the opening of the Umbrella Club by richard sadler from The London Independent Photographer 1955.

London Independent Photography - Winter 2002/3

The photograph as an aide-mémoire Richard Sadler The shorter Oxford dictionary tells us that an "aide-mémoire" is a book or document serving as an aid to the memory; it goes on to say, in diplomats' terms it is a memorandium. Should we read then, photograph, in addition to book? Of course, for from the Daguerreotype to the present day the photograph has fulfilled that function, though the image, like words can also be manipulated to suit romantic ideals, serve political propaganda or simply tell the truth of the moment, or an economical version of it. It is evidence, and by the very nature of its production a document of a real moment in time. In our quest for the art of the medium we forget the strength of the photograph in this its primary role, linked, as it is, to a time and reality seen through the impartial camera. So, what are the memories within these images of a party at the Umbrella Club for the Arts in Coventry in the 1950s? The image above reminds of parties enjoyed, friends, lost, forgotten, dead, rich or famous, and a personal past of, lost or gained hopes and aspirations. The Umbrella Club is a piece of history long overtaken by a City rebuilt and continually trying to keep up with the times. It is the image with two bespectacled gentlemen (they must be gentlemen look at their overcoats, it was still clothes rationing then) talking to another whose back only is visible. Then it all comes flooding back, it is Mr Harry Secombe and Mr Peter Sellars, and in that party crowd image the man in a "deerstalker" must be Mr Spike Milligan. In spite of the formality of the times for us they were the "Goons". The occasion was the first time when our heroes, appeared on stage to delight us with their wit and wisdom. It was a flop of course, though not for us, due in the main to having a public that enjoyed them, till then, only via the radio The theatre too at that time was controlled, not on1y by the management, but the Lord Chamberlain. All theatre performances had to be approved by him and any deviations from the script, at each performance, recorded and forwarded to his office. The anarchic humour and wit of our heroes, to whom the art of the ad lib was fundamental, suffered from this bureaucratic machinery; they had in truth been "sent to Coventry'. We, the members of the Umbrella Club, would have none of that, they would come to our party to celebrate that which we would create together with them, a future of peace, prosperity and fun! The top image (p. 21) sums up that evening , as obligingly they put up an umbrella, embraced the girls and assumed a pose that would remind us of their personalities, wit and wisdom that changed , though no one realised it at the time, English humour for ever. Here’s to Sir Harry, and Peter, who died some years previously, and to Spike, who died this year.

Dirty Stops Outs - Coventry in the 1970's - Ruth Cherrington

A recently launched book titled ‘Dirty Stop Outs 1970's Coventry’ is currently available from outlets like Coventry HMV shop, Waterstones and Amazon. And a really enjoyable read it is too.

The book, authored by Dr Ruth Cherrington features many of the pictures and information from these Hobo - Coventry Music Sites, including the Coventry Arts Umbrella Club along with memories from some of the people who were there and frequented the pubs, clubs, and music and dance venues in the city.

Available for Amazon UK HERE

Ruth Cherrington with the new book at Coventry Music Museum 2017.

Read a review of the book by Pete Clemons HERE

Dirty Stop Outs - Coventry Music and Entertainments in the 70'son display at Coventry HMV

John Bo Bargent (a co-founder of Hobo magazine) at the Waterstones book launch with both a copy of the new book and a copy of Hobo magazine from 1974.

A page in the book featuring Trev and Bo with their magazine Hobo.

Sound bites from the Umbrella programmes 60's and 70's

These are just some random entries in various Umbrella programmes or news sheets joted down the other week while visiting Coventry History centre and looking their Umbrella archives.

Programme from 1950's.

Jazz, music, bridge, art and craft, drama.

Programme 1966

Folksinging - A group of folksingers led by Barry Skinner performing in the club on Monday evenings from January to July 1966.

Programme 1967

Jazz bands.

January 1967 - Folk Tuesday 26th January 8.30.At last live folk music in the club. Now's your chance to hear again those wonderful old songs you learnt on your Granny's knee - Arranged by Roy Mitchell.

Programme 1968

June 18th 1967 - Folk. Roy Mitchell Group.

Martin Nobel Group - Jazz

Exhibitions,Social - party, films, lectures, poetry readings, Arts Council tour, One act play, recital - 

The Voice of Pop - Terry Watson - explores the links between classical and popular music.

Programme 1970

Cliff Cowling Friday night music nights (jazz mainly) taken over by Al Docker, assisted by Trev Teasdel on the door. Cliff Cowling said he could not organise the Friday night band sessions anymore.

Bands - White Heat, Joy Hyman, Modern Jazz Symbols, Whistler, Rod Felton, Cliff Cowling, Children, Crystal Ship, Mick Green Blues Band, Nack ed en, Cat's Grave (Neol Davies band) and Mead - also Neol Davies band, Chris Jones Aggression.

April - Whistler - band practices.

May 1970 - Friday band night - Postcard.

June 1970 - Folk Club - Brian Rogers? and John Lave? Saturday nights. People from all over the Midlands come.

Friday July 1970 - Trad B Jefferson and April  and next session in July - Asgard played.

August 1970 - Steve Tayton and his Jazz quartet.

Fri August 14th Vic's Heavy Rock Jam Session. Organised by Al Docker and led by Neol Davies (later of Selecter). With many local musicians associated with the Umbrella.

Friday August 21st - April (a Contemporary folk outfit led by Ron Lawrence) and Tea and Symphony (Birmingham progressive band).

Bands wishing to play at the Umbrella should contact Al Docker.

New members included Tes Walker, Mick Cuttifoot, Lance Goodey, Sally Birch,Jenny Bowden, Doug Deakin, Pete Webb, Malvin Preece, John Scott, Jim Porter.  (Some of these were in the Umbrella before this time.Either renewed membership or formally joined - some of course were new)

September 1970 - Friday 18th - band night Ghost - (A Birmingham band) and Asgard.

Contemporary style.

Programme 1971

Heron played 19th October. London based group.

New Members 1971 included - Janice Coombs, Janice Gage, Rosemary Jones, Charles Bullen, Andrew Court, Nick Day. (Some had been to the Umbrella before formally joining.)

Secretary of the Programme committee - Lindy Watson -members of the committee - Esther Breakwell, Jim Ashwell, Maggie Heath, John Pinder, Gaynor Penton. Terry Watson treasurer. Barry Bowerman excutive committee.

Live music May 1971 - Tsar - Al Docker's band with Atom Disco - Al and Steve Varney. "A freaky night for anyone who wants to listen to some good sounds!"

Poetry and Folk April 1971 - Toadstool - John Brown acoustic band.

Don't Pick a Flower - John Leopold acoustic band. Poetry and folk, contemporary and own songs. May 1971.

18th May Roger Williamson - Poetry and Folk.

Programme 1972

Lanchester Polytech Arts Fest - Jan / Feb - Umbrella Poets 28th Jan / 4th Feb at the Colin Campbell

Liz Lovatt Poetry and Folk nights Sat 1st April 1972.


.................................................................
August / September 1973 - meeting at Tudor House. Hobo - Coventry Music and Arts Magazine co founded by Trev Teasdel and John Bo Bargent request use of the Umbrella's duplicator to produce an issue of Hobo magazine. (Bottom of this sheet.)

June 1972 - top item below - Humpoesic Happening convened by Trev Teasdel, experimental folk and poetry session.

Umbrella Poets at the Lanchester Arts Festival - Colin Campbell 1972

August programme 1971 - Vic's Heavy Rock Jam Session.

Programme sheet 1966

Photos from the Umbrella Club Archives

Called into the History Centre in Coventry recently while down in Coventry and these photos are posted with kind permission of the History Centre. Mostly from the late 50's or early 60's. If anyone can throw any light on these early photos, please comment.

Ron Morris Pottery 1960

Have received an email from Megan Walden (Roberts) regarding the above photo and the one below - 
 "The lady in the red dress who was a friend of mine at the time. Name, Valerie Jones, art teacher, talented artist and fabric designer. Would love to know where she is these days. Loved my days doing all sorts on the committee."

I think this is leading light Terry Watson - no idea who the lady is.

This is Jean Gough with Mr and Mrs Sutherland. It looks like Little Park street premises.

The Umbrella Club at Little Park Street 1950's-

Enroute to the Police Station.

In the 60's,the Umbrella apparently help Miss Umbrella heats - this is just one of the photos held in the Umbrella archives in the Coventry History Centre.

A young looking Terence Watson

In this photo - Geoffrey Sutherland,Arthur King, Norman Reader and poet John Hewitt.

Occasion of the Julian Orchestra at Little Park Street.

Harry Secombe at the opening of the Umbrella 1955

"Long Live the Umbrella"

A H Marshall - early President of the Umbrella 1957

Josie Heath - Club Member

Don Lindon - one of those instrumental in creating the Umbrella Club in 1955 and Chairman of Jazz.

Coventry Film Production Unit 1960- Three Films.

On a recent visit back to Coventry I squeezed in a bit of time to visit the Coventry History centre with a view to look at their archives for the Coventry Arts Umbrella Club. Almost immediately I met Alan Von Wijgerden, a Coventry photographer and film maker.

Alan kindly referred me to three videos on his youtube. The films were made in 1960 by Coventry Film Production Unit which I understand were based at the Umbrella. If anyone can provide further information on these films or the production company, please get in contact or leave a comment.

The first film is called - A Visit to the Dentist

Alan says - ' A film made by Coventry Film Production Unit. black and white, circa 1960 and silent. The films were bought in Coventry Market as part of a box of old films. John Allibone seems to be one of the key players. If anyone has any information about him or the unit I'll be very interested.'

All's Fair in Love and War - 1960

Featuring - Zena Brandwick, Patricia Dalton, Peter Martin, with Eric Smith, June Sheffield, Martin Lovell. Photographed by John Archer Hall, assistant cameraman Martin Lovell, story and production Ken Pearson. Directed by John Allibone.

Alan says - "Another film from Coventry Film Production Unit. Circa 1960. Black and white and silent. If you have any info about the group I'd be very interested. It's a little melodrama about being careless with your loved one, something of an object lesson."

Symon Enry comments on the youtube page -
"F.Y.I At around 7.25 you see the couple walking down Daventry Road away from the Parade and they have a snog on the corner of Carthusian Road. Just thought I'd mention that to nobody that will ever read this or care."

Fighting Fit

"A comedy from Coventry Film Production Unit circa 1960 and black and white silent. Seems to feature some footage of Highfield Rd on match day. If anyone knows anything about the group I would be interested to hear."

The Founders of the Umbrella

Bill Berrett has identified that -

"The real movers in early Umbrella Club were Terry Watson, Neil Stair (an English teacher who did the White Devil by Webster) Geoffrey Saunders (I can't recall what his work was, but he made a great contribution to the early building decor), Rex Chell and Stanley Sellers, Architects from the City Department. All these did most of the work and negotiation."

I don't have a lot of information about them but I do know, is here. I have already created a post about Terrence Watson (Chair and Vice chair and editor of Umbrella Magazine) and a page for his new poetry book.

NEIL STAIR
Neil was an English teacher who did the White Devil - a play by Webster at St. Mary's Hall, Coventry, for Umbrella Club in the 50's. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_White_Devil

White Devil on Youtube.

GEOFF SAUNDERS

Geoff Sauders was a founding member of the Umbrella Club, a writer, artist and who wrote for the Umbrella magazine as Geoffrey Demdike.  He was also a founding member of the magaine and wrote an article called Smedley's Hydro, Smedley's Hydropathic Instituition in Matlock, in the magazine here page 17 of the pdf of Umbrella Vol1 1958. http://coventryartsumbrella.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/umbrella-magazine-volume-1-no1-october.html

Geoff also designed the cover of this issue of Umbrella - here - 

Geoff Saunders is mentioned here http://acetrust.org/ecclesiart/artists/peter-ball
Peter Eugene Ball  is a prolific British sculptor, whose work can be found in over 60 churches. Born in 1943, Ball attended Coventry school of Art where he met Geoffrey Saunders, an art history tutor, with whom he made a photographic survey of Romanesque carvings and prehistoric monuments throughout the United Kingdom.

REX CHELL

Rex was still a Coventry Archtect in the 1970's and designed the link between the new and old Council house in Coventry, along with other projects.

STANLEY SELLERS

A Coventry Architect and founding member of the Coventry Arts Umbrella Club.

An obituary http://www.20thcenturyforum.com/t13062-stanley-sellers31 December 1933 — 5 April 2013 Honorary Vice-President (2008); Friends of Birmingham Museums &Art Gallery

Stanley was born in Bordesley Green and educated in Birmingham. At 17, he enrolled in the Birmingham School of Architecture, after graduating in 1955, he joined Coventry City Council, moving 4 years

later to join James A Roberts Associates; who were the designers of the Rotunda and had their offices

on the top floor. He stayed with them for 21 years subsequently moving to the ISH Partnership for a further 11 years up to his retirement. Stanley’s list of major architectural projects is large and varied; and includes Mander Centre in Wolverhampton with, at the time, a controversial Barbara Hepworth bronze which won a Civic Trust Award; the Solihull Library and Arts Centre which won a Civic Trust Commendation; The Loft Theatre in Leamington Spa; Wrexham Library and Arts Centre, as well as a whole range of buildings in Solihull and Birmingham City Centre.

He was also a talented and respected potter in his own right, a passionate connoisseur, collector of the visual and applied arts, and an incredibly well informed music lover. In his 20s Stanley was a frequent visitor to St Ives and was a close friend of Barbara Hepworth, as well as socialising with Bernard Leach and many others from within the St Ives ‘School’. He was a member of  the Friends for many years, later serving as Treasurer; he was created Honorary Vice-President in 2008. Stanley continued to support and advised on the Friends events and activities until earlier this year. He was a passionate supporter of the Museum and its work.

Stanley had a supportive 44 year partnership with Richard Butt, a respected Radio3 Producer and long

term Conductor of the Birmingham Bach Choir. Their home in Solihull was a happy and welcoming environment to their many and varied friendships. They were great supporters of CBSO and Birmingham Royal Ballet and Sir Peter and Lady Knight were friends as were Benjamin Britten, Peter Pears and Imogen Holst. He was extraordinarily knowledgeable and interesting to talk to on a host of subjects, never losing his enthusiasm and interest in the world about him, he will be sadly missed by many. A week before he died he told one of his cousin’s he had had a wonderful life, had met many great, good and famous people and that, ’that’s not bad for a boy from the back streets of Birmingham’.

Stanley has made a very generous and significant bequest to Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery that is both a testament to his commitment to the Museum and also to his extraordinary life, his excellent ‘eye’, his intelligence and incredible knowledge. It is hoped that next year there will be an exhibition based on his bequest. At Stanley’s request his family sold his pottery collection and the proceeds from this sale were split between Solihull Association for the Blind and the Friends of Birmingham Museums. He also included the Friends as one of only two beneficiaries of donations in his memory.

Graham Allen, A Friend as well as a Trustee of Birmingham Museums Trust

SUMMER 2013 ARTEFACTS 13 From http://www.20thcenturyforum.com/t13062-stanley-sellers

TERRY WATSON - SELECTED POEMS AND WEBSITE

The Coventry Arts Umbrella Club has published a selection of  Terrence Watson's poems under the editorial direction of Bob Wright and this book is now available at all major booksellers (including Amazon). The publisher is Earlsdon-based Takahe Publishing Ltd. Terry was a leading light in the Coventry Umbrella Club that was formally established in 1955 and continues to this day.

You can find out more about Terry and a link to his new book of poetry here http://www.terencewatson.uk/

Terry Watson was born Terence Charles Watson in 1920. He was educated at the Stationers' Company School in London studied at Magdalen College Oxford under the tutorial guidance of C S Lewis. His studies were interrupted by service in the RAF in the Second World War and he finally graduated in 1947. He taught for five years at Cottesmore School and came to Coventry in 1955 to take up a post teaching English and Art at King Henry VIII School in Coventry. He became a leading light in the Coventry Umbrella Club that was formally established in 1955 and continues to this day. One of Terry's earliest role at the Umbrella was as editor of the club's well respected literary magazine Umbrella, which boasted work by likes of Philip Larkin and E.M. Forster. Terry shared his wide ranging skills with the Umbrella,as literary editor, poet, theatre director, painter and exhibition curator and promoter as well as heading up the Umbrella Club organisation.  Above all he was passionate about encouraging artistic creativity in others,especially those who seemed to lack confidence in their own potential. In later years he taught Creative Writing at Tile Hill College and in his 70's became interested in yoga and practised to the degree that he qualified as a teacher of Yoga (Sironami Tejas) in Florida USA.He was proud to be made Freeman of the City of London and a member of the Worshipful Company of Stationers and newspaper Makers.Terry passed away in 2009 at the age of 89. This volume was edited by Bob Wright and includes a range of Terry's poetical works including of his war poems written in active service.

Sample poems -

HOW HER HAIR FALLS

Waves

of the sea

fell sheer

So her hair

glittering shines and falls

Waves of her hair

shimmer and fall

away and fall

fall swaying

glitter

fall

and shine

Shimmer

Sway

and fall

Waves

of the sea

fall sheer

So her hair

glittering shines

and falls

Terence Watson 1968
.............

Terry Watson's War Poems are brave, heartfelt and observant and some are included in this anthology - here's an example.

Infantryman (1939 - 1945)

Now the time has come for the heavy artillery

Loud-voiced, and to swing high over my head,

Fierce herald of the attack, ribbing the sky.

The planes above are creeping over the earth's ceiling.

Light feels towards the grey, unknown antagonist.

Now the mountainous iron tanks, inhuman, unfeeling

Throb with the surge of their powerful, harsh-tongued engines.

Grind forward,splintering stones with steel feet.

Now is the time to slide back the silver bolt

And press the austere round up the rifle's spout,

To run a sensitive finger along the cool bayonet,

To ease the web straps straining the shoulder blades,

To crush the last cigarette under the boot heel.

For we are near the end of our journey

And the setting down of burdens.

Like children from school we shall burst

Into this playground, and the choice

Of two freedoms shall be decided for us.