In Memory of
Jon Peaty
07 . 03 . 1914 – 26 . 01 . 1991
Ray Hopper wrote
Jon Peaty, father of our very own David, was something of a Southwick character, and was always entertaining to be with.
He was a multi-talented professional illustrator, artist and portrait painter – you can see several of his works depicting Southwick life and characters dotted about the Community Centre – as well as accomplished amateur actor, director and scene designer. He was an enthusiastic member of both the Southwick Art Club and Southwick Players.
We have just read the John van Druten play “I Remember Mama”, which made a great impression on me as the first play I ever saw at The Barn in 1956, and have since discovered that Jon had played the part of the larger-than-life character Uncle Kris.
Jon was born in Wales in 1914, and lived there, London and Sussex before spending the last 20 years of his life in North Yorkshire, where he died in 1991.
His son, David, is working on a monograph to accompany a retrospective exhibition of Jon’s work.
More of Jon’s working life may be found here: Bear Alley – Jon Peaty
The Southwick Community Association Annual Report 1990 carried this
The death occurred on January 26 1991, in Yorkshire, of Jon Peaty, a member of the Community Association from its foundation until his move to Yorkshire some years ago.
Jon will be remembered by many a gifted artist, founder of Southwick Art Club, teacher, amateur actor of great talent, and a lively and humorous friend. We are fortunately still to have two fine examples of different facets of his work in the Centre, both in the Common Room and in the Craft Room.
He will always be remembered with affection by those who knew him.
