Two of Cape Town's well-loved characters died last week. Leonard worked in many of the shops that I've frequented over the years. Be-pierced and Dali-esque, Leonard was hard to ignore. Always friendly and full of ideas. One night, for an exhibition opening, he asked a friend and I to wrap his legs in cling film. He wore those see-through pants with a tuxedo jacket.
Basil was the proprietor of Bristol Antiques in Long Street, one of my favourite haunts. He was cultured and soft spoken. He said to me once as I left his shop:"You are such a lovely young lady." I saw him two weeks ago at Ashbeys and we spoke about glass and books. He was one of the last true gentlemen.
I'll miss you both.
How very sad to hear of Leonard's passing. Basil I did not know well.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to remember that Leonard lived his life on the edge, always ready to experiment, play and have a laugh. And yet, mad hatter as that he often played, the man had his wits very closely about him. Closer than most, often. He was king of the lightning fast put-down and the sharp comeback on his throne behind the counter at Bruce Tait's collection of gags, cheap thrills and eclectic finds, always ready to have a good banter. May your sense of fun live on in Long Street, Leonard.