Mike Bibby 1932-2015 by John Ball and Philip Rundall
T
o say that Mike Bibby was a complex character is an understatement; both his sympathies and his antipathies were strong and freely expressed. Multi talented in sculpture, ceramics and painting, his work developed over the years into a mature, distinctive style. He had a discerning palate and assembled an impressive wine cellar. At one point we had a disagreement over a choice of wine for a College event. Though somewhat aggrieved by his comments I had to acknowledge that he was entirely correct in his judgment. A generous host, he cooked an excellent meal for Jean and I when we stayed with him on a journey to Wales. He regaled us with lovely wines which led to a certain caution when driving the next day. He was a “character”, vivid in his enthusiasms, generous of spirit, occasionally cantankerous but generally benign. He was fortunate to find a supportive partnership in later life.
I
he appointed was a practising artist or art historian. That balance between being a maker of art and a teacher was deemed essential and something I personally fought for right up to my own retirement. Mike led a talented group of people with a firm but kind touch. After Mike retired his creative work moved towards painting and an intense interest in the Worcestershire landscape. I was struck by his honesty when discussing his work and also his generosity towards me and my own painting. It was this later stage in our relationship that I treasure most. We had both slowed down, had time to take stock, and I came to fully appreciate him as a very generous and kind man. I will always remember Mike with affection. Philip Rundall
John Ball
vividly remember meeting Mike for the first time at my interview back in 1973. His reddish hair and his height made an immediate impact as well as his big personality. For me, not being overly challenged in the verticality department, it was quite a surprise! John Ball mentions Mike’s wine cellar, something Mike failed to mention at my interview. Upon being appointed, however, I soon was made aware of his extensive knowledge in this direction. At my first departmental social event I was quietly advised by Colin, the art technician, to leave my bottle of Hirondelle under a chair. I cannot recall ever having a less than superb wine in Mike’s presence. Looking back I admired Mike’s ambition to create an Art Department that was the equal of an Art School learning environment. Everyone that
Christine Carpenter 1908-2015 by David Bridges Colleagues will remember Christine Carpenter. She taught pottery in the Art Department and was already quite a senior member of the College when John Murrell and I joined in 1968. In fact she was my 'mentor' (though we did not use such terms then) on my first teaching practice supervision in a Huntingdonshire primary school. She was very accepting of my youthful naivety and total lack of relevant experience and gave me the confidence to believe that I would soon get the hang of it (though I don't think I ever did!). She was one of those rather formidable spinster ladies who dominated Homerton at that stage, and though her manner was calm and quiet (the 'quiet word' was a major source of instruction in the Combination Room in those days -- disregarded at your peril) there was quite a steely side to her. She was close to Dame Beryl and exerted considerable influence in the early days of the Academic Board, both inside and outside the meeting. Christine's daughter Alison told us that she died peacefully in her own home on 23rd February aged 107.
rsm newsletter, july 2015, page 13