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Barney Gibbens OBE, FRSA 1935-2012

    Barney Gibbens was a supporter of LIP from its beginning and its first Honorary member. Sadly he passed away on 4th June 2012.

    Barney, an outstanding professional IT company leader, was an enthusiastic and talented amateur photographer. When LIP began 25 years ago it counted itself lucky to have such a notable person taking an interest in our group.

    LIP’s committee, and in particular its energetic founding Secretary, Janet Hall, felt the need after five years of existence for a publication to show to potential workshop leaders, exhibition venues, and other interested parties, which would reflect the standard and variety of the work being produced by its membership. At the time, Roger Estop was the Editor of LIP’s magazine and he was asked to produce a suitable publication.


    Show magazine – cover photo Peter Marshall

    When Roger was asked what he could remember about Barney he came up with the following anecdote which is perhaps a fitting tribute to the man and a suitable record of our indebtedness to him:

    My one contact with him was when we produced ‘show’ magazine in 1993 to mark the fifth anniversary of LIP. A company called Black Sun sponsored the magazine by providing all the graphic design and production work. But we had to find the money to print – a smart glossy number without advertising and with a low cover price. At Janet’s suggestion I contacted Barney. I called him from a red phone box in Sloane Square outside the Royal Court theatre. I introduced myself, told him what we were doing and that we were looking for funding to cover printing costs. He asked me how much this would be and then said ‘that’s fine I’ll cover that’. It meant that we could go ahead without any stress. He did not want to be credited in the publication. He was certainly a very important and quiet supporter of LIP.

    Barney Gibbens was made an Honorary member of LIP in appreciation of his help.

    There is a biography at www.justgiving.com/Barney-Gibbens