The New York Times’ UK correspondent Sarah Lyall has an amazing knack for digging up quirky British stories. At the weekend it was the very British art forger John Myatt:
He is so well regarded in this Staffordshire community, where he is the organist and choir director at the local church, that when he was in jail, his neighbors banded together and refurbished his kitchen. Visitors to a recent London exhibit of his work — new works in the style of famous artists with the words “Genuine Fake” written in indelible ink on the back — included the foreman of the jury that convicted him; his defense lawyer; and Jonathan Searle, the Scotland Yard detective who arrested him and who, when Mr. Myatt got out of prison, commissioned a portrait from him (as did a prosecutor in the case).
Today Lyall turns her attention to Sir Benjamin Slade, a British aristocrat who is looking for an heir in America to take over his crumbling estate. The story is interesting enough, but Lyall’s knack of teasing out British eccentricities is pitch perfect:
When he took possession of Maunsel House, it was a ruin, his surviving aunt confined to just two rooms.
“She lived on Mars bars and Milky Ways,” he said. “She drank for Somerset. She had about 18 different driving offenses — hit and run, driving over a policeman’s foot. When she died, she left £22.50, and she didn’t leave it to me.” Once, Sir Benjamin said, the aunt set the house on fire, hoping to collect insurance, only to have the fire fizzle out because of the pervasive dampness.
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UK
I read about Sir Benjamin several weeks ago - I forget in which magazine. If only I had the money, I’d buy that up in a second.
Nice stories i really enjoyed reading them.
I was just in London over my school’s February recess -and Hannah (just married last October - she had tons of photos), Olly (working at Scotland Yard and will be taking his detective exam), Max (getting ready to produce/direct Windows of the World about the 9/11 in NYC this May), Henry (working in emerging markets at Thames River Capital) - Hannah had just spoke with Hugh (he is still working in Germany, what I don’t know), and John is still in New Zealand working as a dentist. Bill Richmond, wanted to come, but about a week propr had been sent to Iraq for a year tour with ONI (Office of Naval Intelligence). Just a little up-date on the Novgorodian crew.
Wow. Thanks Jenny.