Our relationship was extremely brief, but such a very profound and poignant memory. I truly believe that Peter is at peace, in a better place, and that one day we will all meet him again. Until then, we must remember all the wonderful times, and understand how Peter has made a difference in our lives, in doing so, we will have memories of joy and fulfilment. Clare Disley, Sarah and Wade Gibson
I'm glad we hugged before you went on holiday.I will always remember our laughs and specially your encouragement to enjoy and to move on.I will miss you. Sanna
Peter was passionate about art and the way it could enrich people’s lives. His work in College and further afield touched many - students, colleagues and friends. He always strove to improve things in college – he fought for what he believed should happen, with intensity, high expectations and a sharp wit.
He enjoyed a glass of red wine, or better still a bottle! We usually talked ‘shop’, often late into the night. His ability to mimic and mock often ended in tears of laughter. Peter wanted the best, for the students, the department and for fine art. We are all going to miss him. Gill
Peter Stanley, was one of the nicest people I have met, he was the man who interviewed me for me entering HNC FINE ART COURSE of which I was accepted to Kensington & Chelsea College, I have many happy memories from Peter, ranging from in the studio, my work, him advising me on things and artists, I passed my HNC IN 2005 AND through advice from Peter, I applied to six universites in the London area getting interviews from all six top uni;s in London, thanks to Peter and Erika, helping me with my portofolio presentation, I finally succeded in getting in to London Metropolitan to do a BA in fine art, of which I am thoroughly enjoying, this would not be possible if it had not been for Peter, I also recieved a Helena Kennedy QC charity award, AND ATTENDED the House of Commons with Peter, to recieve the award for my hard work and determination at Kensington & CHELSEA this again would not have been possible but for the help from Peter, who gave me a good reference, I have photos from the awards ceremony, and these are photos i have to remind me of Peter, what I learned at K & C WAS INVALUABLE AND PREPARED ME FOR MY FIRST YEAR AT UNI, I learned a vast amount about art practice, artists, theory, Hope Peter is in heaven, god bless all the best John Young.
To my dear, beloved brother whom I shall never forget. He was such a true gentleman. I so miss sharing a laugh, pun or joke. He gave his 'all' for his family and his students and colleagues. I look forward to sharing stories and reminiscing with you all on the 6th. Jenny Lacey
We have put daffodils on your desk and a photograph of you smiling is in the reception.I keep thinking you are going to walk into the office....missing you,love Anjum
I have many things to thank Peter for, his support, encouragement, sense of humour and not least for accepting me on the H.N.C. Fine Art Course. One story I would like to share with you. Peter came to me sometime in February and confessed he had taken a photograph of my work along with others for inclusion in the Chelsea Festival programme to be held in June. The piece in question depicts a glade in a wood using tree images and splinters of mirror between giving it an ethereal quality. Peter had difficulty photographing it, he told me, because his reflection kept appearing amongst the trees and laughed. I was delighted that my image was chosen to represent K.C.C. in the programme and like to think that Peter is there in spirit at least among the trees. Dear Peter you will be greatly missed. Gail Fernyhough
Pete was one of my closest and dearest friends since we met at the Slade in 1980. Over the years we have worked played and holidayed together. I always valued his opnions about life and art, and I will always remember him for making life such great fun when we were together. I will miss him very much.
I only have great memories of Peter. He was absolutely instrumental in my career as an artist and an unvaluable source of inspiration. I loved his sharp sense of humour which he mixed nicely with his predominantly sweet and charming personality. I never felt like he was a 'tutor', more like a friend. Although I had not seen him in ages I am truly saddened and will miss him dearly. My thoughts go to his family and friends, to Erika and to all his colleagues.
I love the photos you have posted - they immediately make you smile and you can hear that 'Muttley-type' chuckle and see those shoulders shake. It's only now the reality is begining to sink in that he's really gone. Love to all his family, close friends and colleagues who must feel it even more. Thanks to Erica and Mark for setting up this site. Hils xxx
Lovely to see Peter's smile in the photos, I have such vivid memories of Peter, first as a teacher - fierce, passionate, funny and most of all full of encouragement, and later as a friend. It was such a lovely surprise to bump into Peter not long ago in Rye, and I was really pleased that my two daughters got to meet him. He will be so greatly missed but he has made a deep and sustaining impression on all of us. My thoughts are with Erika and Gill and Peter's family and colleagues. I will be out of the country on the 6th but with you all in my thoughts. Thanks for this site.
I will miss a great teacher and colleague. Sadly I will be out of the country on 6th April but my thoughts will be with everyone remembering Peter's wonderful spirit. Laura
-Peter was a wonderfully charismatic teacher, the most inspiring colleague that a have ever worked with and a true friend. He encouraged me to take my current post in Bahrain and had promised to come out and stay with me in the sun---after his skiing. I cannot believe that he will not now be comming and that I will not have the chance-after Bahrain--of ever seeing him again--working late into the evening on student portfolios. He gave so much and will leave such a gap in so many people's lives. My sympathies to his sister, other family, friends, past and current students and colleages at kcc, esp Mark, Erika (thanks for this site) and Kelly and Caroline. I think a student bursary in his name is a wonderful idea and would have been his choice.(He will have St Peter's portfolio sorted by now!)I will be there in spirit on April 6th and see you, Erika, when I am in the UK this summer, in order to make a contribution to the 'Peter Stanley Bursary. You should not have gone so soon Peter--but I think you have left a lot of your energetic spirit with us all. Much regret but love and gratitude for the 4 years I worked with you. Ronn
Re: I am still in awe of the patience and kindness with which Peter (and Erika) dealt with every one of the students who passed through their care at K and C. Such selflessness in the face of the sometimes selfish panic us students went through during the art school application process! It was impossible to have spent time with Peter and not left with some truly indelible memories. Thank you. Henry Garfit
Peter came to live in my house on a temporary basis while he looked for somewhere to live; that was four years ago, and during the whole of that time, my kitchen resounded with our laughter. So much laughter, my neighbour Ruby, said it made her laugh to hear it.
It was Peter’s spirit and passion that made him special, and his huge warmth and kindness that made him unique. As Head of Fine Art my subject area of photography came under him, he was always supportive of what we were trying to do, even though the complexity of it all sometimes irritated him!
My little daughter (now 6) treated him as an uncle on her visits to me. I have a precious recording of the two of them talking. He even (and this was a shock to him) developed a fondness for my cat even after she pissed in his shoes! I would often come down to breakfast to find him in conversation with her, sorry Peter, I know I swore I wouldn’t tell!
He will be very sadly missed, someone who touched so many lives. Good bye Peter.
So...I left and I didnt have a chance to talk to you, Peter. Then you left few days later. Who knows where! I told you I never go to funerals, that Im still not able to face death as part of life. And then few months later, you died... Well, Ive decided to go to your "last goodbye". I want to bring you a little branch from an olive tree. After this I will be in peace with you and will remember all the positive things you brought into my life.I´ll keep the passion!I will, Peter.
I will meet you there...my friend (but I dont know when!).
I had the privilage to spend some time with Peter on his last day. The sun shone and Peter skied with style and relish. He had great courage and verve. Greatly missed by all who knew him. A conspicuous absense and a space that cannot be filled.
Phil Ritson said... Peter was a gifted and generous spirit. His advice to me about any subject was always taken and his knowledge of his subject was enormous. I will remember playing a game of golf last yr at St Albans when neither of us played well , with huge scores. Peter & I laughted so much at how good we were before the match began and our scores were useless. Peter was an amazing person who had time for everyone. I will always cherish his thoughts and advice for ever.
I was very shocked and upset to hear about Peter, who was one of the best people I have ever worked with and a good friend. He made some very grey times full of glee. Peter was a terrific person who always made me laugh, (and as I have read from other people) cry (with laughter). I feel very sad indeed. Gillian Singer
"...just decide what it is - seeds, pods or something organic and physical - then get on with pushing it as far as possible". Without Peter's 'encouragement', enthusiasm and honesty I wouldn't have risked applying for art school let alone be at one. Life changing and enhancing. What a mentor! Much love.
I first met Peter in the days when the only computer in the department was a green and black screened Amstrad which belonged to Gill and there was free cona coffee for staff in the office. It seems like eons ago. I am so glad that not so long ago I expressed my sincere thanks to Peter for teaching me how to teach. Working in the same room as him was like working with a Master Craftsman. He was truly engaged in a dialogue with students about their work. From him, needless to say, I also learnt how to bollock the lazy ones! My best memories of Peter are of weaving our way together with Jill Raven and Simon Betts through the streets of Amsterdam after a "kop stoop" or two...or three or four or more. My God, did we laugh. Then, and later when we remembered it. Until the tears ran down our cheeks. Peter, wherever you are, I hope you realise how much you are missed. It is such a strange thing to be in this bulding and not meet you coming round the corner, huffing and puffing, with reference this and reference that, stopping for a chat that is either full of indignity about the abuse of the English language or laughter over some idiotic story.
It's a true testament to Peter that so many have left such lovely messages about him. I remember Peter when we were both at the Slade in 1980. I remember his generous spirit, his affection for others and his sense of humour. He was a great friend to some of us who didn't deserve it.
I will miss him, his work and can't believe that he isn't here any longer. The day that I heard he had died I wore my old wedding suit to work, I hadn't worn it for years and years. Peter was at my wedding, when I got home and was looking for somethig in our spare room a photo fell out onto the floor (honestly) from a pile of books - it was Peter at our wedding.
Peter was a wonderful man and we all loved him very very much .he worked under much stress along side a wonderfull and very talented woman erika winstone they had a beautiful partnership for 22years witch i am sure no one who new them as well as i did will ever forget. when peter died (a very sudden death)evry one was extremly sad and still are, in fact people are still in great sorow and pity even people who bearly new peter. to myself it is like loosing a part of me ,my family, my mothers work (knc).I could not take it at first (as im sure it is very hard for evry one)but i have realised peter will be very happy in a better place and that he was enjoying himself on the last wonderful few days of his life. peter was a man who would stop at nothing to help people and encorage them,he was a man of many talents and he belevied in evreybody! peter stanlys funarall is this thursday,for the many of you who cant be there just think of him. peter was very special to my family and we are devestated to have lost him. i just want to say i love you peter and will miss you. r.i.p peter (a man we will never forget!) love Anna dean (erika winstone and mark dean's daughter) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
We have been remembering the boules competition in Battersea Park, the back falling off of Peter's car with us all inside screaming in hysterics, Peter coming to our wedding in a loud checked suit so my Mum thought he was the magician.
Peter looks very happy in the photos on this site. I wish we'd seen more of him.
Yesterday evening i read the comments, and so many of them made me smile. I dreamt of Peter last night and woke up in tears. Tomorrow will be hard but good too because it will be the celebration of a lovely man who made us laugh to tears and who was not himself afraid to cry because he had such a big, big heart. With love from Manon
Dear Peter, I wonder if Heaven is a no-smoking place...I can well imagine you at the gate sneaking for a fag and a laugh with some new "arrival"... Peter I never thanked you enough for believing in me when I didn't. I owe you (and Erika) a lot for guiding me where I am today. I am near the end of the second year of my degree and selfishly, I am sad that you will not be there to see my degree show. But your spirit is with us and I will never forget your mischievous laughter and the twinkle in your eye. Thank you and thanks to Mark and Erika for this website. Emmanuelle
Just wanted to wave good-bye.. You really have touched and inspired so many lives!!! We miss you a lot in college and I still think that at some point sooner or later you will walk in the studios as usual... Your laughter and your passion for art and teaching still echoes in the air around KCC….
You will always be that great inspiring man for so many of us….Thank you... Farewell and keep an eye on us.
It was such a pleasure and a privilege to work with you, dear Peter. We will always remember and be inspired by your intelligence, enthusiasm, humour, and gift for bringing out the best in people; your motivation, - and general ‘bigging up’ and mischief. So glad we had a good laugh on the phone before you went on holiday. Much love from Lynne and David.
We have been keeping an eye on the site and every day it grows richer - what a wonderful thing the internet is, allowing the voices of so many people who would'nt normally have a voice. We have all been able to share each others feelings. What an wonderful and amazing man Peter truly was- to inspire so much love and dedication. His funeral was a beautiful testamant to the esteem in which he is held. Erica and Mark have enabled this site and its constant updating of it is thoroughly appreciated. Please keep on with the feelings. Love from Jane,Sarah and Joe Eyton
You were not just a wonderful tutor but a wonderful person too. You were such an amazing source of inspiration to me. Thankyou for helping me overcome all the difficulties I faced, you were confidence, homour and friendship to me. If it had not been for you and your determination and faith I would not be where I am today. KCC was one of the happiest years I have had and this is thanks to you as well as all the other supportive staff. I wish I had had more of an opportunity to stress these things to you more, to let you know how much you did for me, and I'm sure, for everyone else. I am sorry I couldn't be there on the 6th to say goodbye properly.
Peter was an inspiration to me, a mentor and a dear friend. I felt priviliged to work with him at KCC. His energy was unbridled and and his dedication to art and to his students was paramount. We could often be found giggling under nervous pressure amid a sea of unhung art or paperwork, yet it always worked out. I enjoyed his dry sense of humour and respected his frankness. People talked so highly of him yet he was so humble -a very special person I am so glad to have known. It was a shock to me, I have moved to New York and it happened the day I flew out. However, I was lucky enough to have told him how greatful I am to him and how much I will miss him, before I left. Who knows why these things happen, we must just remember the good times and hold the memories dear. We will only know why when we are there too. I will miss him.
I worked with Peter for the best part of 15 years at Kensington & Chelsea College. Working with Peter was a privaledge. It was the most glorious mix of histerical laughter, "heated debates" on art education, and our courses, and the belief that we all were working for the students no matter what paper work might be thrown at us. And it was Peter's total commitment to his students, and an undiminished belief in art education and its potential to give students choices, that shines out from those years. He would always go the extra mile to help someone, he would always stay that little bit later in the studios to make sure a students portfolio was ready, or a problem was solved. The really great thing about Peter were the laughs, until we had tears running, and seeing him rushing around the College, chatting to people in corridors or "reference", outside cadging yet another fag. However my best memories of Peter will always be the Foundation/HNC Amsterdam trips, and the sheer milage we covered on bar crawls with Kate Gwynn and Jill Raven! Peter came with me to Holland for a weekend in 2002. I'm so glad we did that trip Peter. I'm so glad you pointed out my inadequate car insurance only after we drove off the ferry at The Hook! And I was so glad you pointed out my headlights were not adjusted for driving on the right only after I'd driven for an hour in the dark! It was what we wanted it to be...a great laugh, great chats and plenty of "kop Stoops". Peter, thank you.
You made me welcome when I was new. You told me I would be missed when I moved on. Its very quiet without you. I wish I had known you better. Miss you. Carol Nayler
I am so happy to have known Peter for this last year.
Peter and Erika gave me a job at the HNC course last year. This has proved to be both an incredibly giving and challenging job to me, and Peter was always there to guide me about students, lectures, my own doubts... I really could not have done it without him. I believe that it takes courage to take chances on the young and inexperienced like myself! He has given me a great opportunity which I will never forget.
Thanks Peter for going on at me to finish my work after the mid year show. I was so dishearted at my half finished work that I really felt I had let you and Erika down. But for some reason you really believed that I could get it finished. "Just get one box completely finished" you adivised me. If it wasnt for this belief I dont think I would have bothered and I now have a finished display of my work. Thanks Peter.
Peter and I had been out of touch for a few months, so I have only just heard the news. He was a wonderful tutor and friend to me since my time at Heatherley's. Much later, Peter encouraged me in my love of the art of ancient civilizations, and on hearing that I was planning a trip to Egypt, said, "Ooh, you must go to the quarry at Aswan - there is a gigantic granite foot sticking up out of the sand, but it's a bit off the beaten track..." He proceeded to tell me the story of how he had found it some years before, and gave me convoluted directions, which I followed to the letter. Alas, even after much tramping about over boulders, into gulleys and behind safety cordons in the blistering heat, no foot. On my return to England, eager to see the photo I had promised him, he enquired how I had got on. I confessed the failure of the foot mission, to which he replied, "Didn't you even get arrested - WE did. You can't have been looking hard enough!"
Thank you, Peter for being such an inspiration, and for teaching me how to look harder. With my love, from Anna Ricketts
Although it was Peter's job to be our teacher, it never ceased to amaze me how far-reaching that role was for him. He would always go way beyond the call of duty with his time, support and friendship, to everyone. I think he truly believed in art, and in us. It was a great privilege to be his student. Thank you for everything Peter, I often think of you. Much love, Felicity Greenland.
Christmas is upon us and I am mid-2nd year of my BA Sculpture @ Camberwell.I am finding true fulfillment in my work and am learning so much. KCC seems far away now, so much is happening, but Peter, no, he is never far away, only through him and Erika have I come thus far, only through him have I the strength to believe. As an artist I am forever indebted to Peter Stanley, may he view my work with the same exasperation and understanding and enthusiasm as he once did. I pray that I may hold a sliver of that magic that was his and be able to share it with others.
Peter, you live on in our hearts, but the empty space of your person will echo long.
Every single time I walk down Hortensia Road on my way to Heatherley's I still expect to see you huffing and puffing into work, Susan says the same. Remembering Peter Stanley is not difficult. XL.
Thinking of you, four years today. It could be just yesterday. Your presence, warmth love and laugh is still so vivid. A testament to how much you gave.Ex
I have only discovered this blog today and I thank you for it. Peter was my friend since 1980. I remember sanding down bones with his girlfriend for one of his exhibitions at the time ! We never lost sight over the years and I always saw him when I came to London. I adored him. We would visit galeries, go the theatre together and how I loved shopping with him ! He made it such fun, never seemed bored. He was witty, passionate about every form of art, more interested in others than himself. I miss him terribly and whenever I think of him I smile.
and I have just discovered this blog today too and am aware of how loved Peter was and still is and what a tremendous amount of passion he conveyed to all his students and friends. What a truly lovely man, one of the best.
Peter taught me at Heatherley's in my foundation year. A fantastic, inspiring teacher he taught with great knowledge, intensity and wit. I have cherished the experience I gained during that year and will always remember him with respect and gratitude. Luisa Ramazzotti MFA
Just over a week ago, I found out that Peter had passed away when I went to visit Erika Winstone at KCC for the first time since about 2002. Peter and Erika persuaded me not to drop out of the course I did with them way back in 1990. They made an excellent team, always encouraging and believing in me, and I learnt more on that one course than I learnt at the countless art, printmaking and design courses I have since attended. It is a real pity I didn’t go and visit them when my plans for further art studies didn't work out in 1992 – I am certain Peter would’ve persuaded me not to give up, to follow my dreams, and my life would’ve been very different from what it is now.
59 Comments:
At least you scaled the mountain,and came down laughing. We miss you daily.
Love from Jane, Sarah and Joe Eyton
Our relationship was extremely brief, but such a very profound and poignant memory. I truly believe that Peter is at peace, in a better place, and that one day we will all meet him again. Until then, we must remember all the wonderful times, and understand how Peter has made a difference in our lives, in doing so, we will have memories of joy and fulfilment.
Clare Disley, Sarah and Wade Gibson
I'm glad we hugged before you went on holiday.I will always remember our laughs and specially your encouragement to enjoy and to move on.I will miss you.
Sanna
Peter was passionate about art and the way it could enrich people’s lives. His work in College and further afield touched many - students, colleagues and friends. He always strove to improve things in college – he fought for what he believed should happen, with intensity, high expectations and a sharp wit.
He enjoyed a glass of red wine, or better still a bottle! We usually talked ‘shop’, often late into the night. His ability to mimic and mock often ended in tears of laughter. Peter wanted the best, for the students, the department and for fine art. We are all going to miss him.
Gill
Peter Stanley, was one of the nicest people I have met, he was the man who interviewed me for me entering HNC FINE ART COURSE of which I was accepted to Kensington & Chelsea College, I have many happy memories from Peter, ranging from in the studio, my work, him advising me on things and artists, I passed my HNC IN 2005 AND
through advice from Peter, I applied to six universites in the London area getting interviews from all six top uni;s in London, thanks to Peter and Erika, helping me with my portofolio presentation, I finally succeded in getting in to London Metropolitan to do a BA in fine art, of which I am thoroughly enjoying, this would not be possible if it had not been for Peter, I also recieved a Helena Kennedy QC charity award, AND ATTENDED the House of Commons with Peter, to recieve the award for my hard work and determination at Kensington & CHELSEA this again would not have been possible but for the help from Peter, who gave me a good reference, I have photos from the awards ceremony, and these are photos i have to remind me of Peter, what I learned at K & C WAS INVALUABLE AND PREPARED ME FOR MY FIRST YEAR AT UNI, I learned a vast amount about art practice, artists, theory, Hope Peter is in heaven, god bless all the best John Young.
To my dear, beloved brother whom I shall never forget. He was such a true gentleman. I so miss sharing a laugh, pun or joke. He gave his 'all' for his family and his students and colleagues. I look forward to sharing stories and reminiscing with you all on the 6th. Jenny Lacey
We have put daffodils on your desk
and a photograph of you smiling is in the reception.I keep thinking you are going to walk into the office....missing you,love Anjum
I have many things to thank Peter for, his support, encouragement, sense of humour and not least for accepting me on the H.N.C. Fine Art Course. One story I would like to share with you. Peter came to me sometime in February and confessed he had taken a photograph of my work along with others for inclusion in the Chelsea Festival programme to be held in June. The piece in question depicts a glade in a wood using tree images and splinters of mirror between giving it an ethereal quality. Peter had difficulty photographing it, he told me, because his reflection kept appearing amongst the trees and laughed. I was delighted that my image was chosen to represent K.C.C. in the programme and like to think that Peter is there in spirit at least among the trees.
Dear Peter you will be greatly missed.
Gail Fernyhough
Pete was one of my closest and dearest friends since we met at the Slade in 1980. Over the years we have worked played and holidayed together. I always valued his opnions about life and art, and I will always remember him for making life such great fun when we were together. I will miss him very much.
I only have great memories of Peter. He was absolutely instrumental in my career as an artist and an unvaluable source of inspiration. I loved his sharp sense of humour which he mixed nicely with his predominantly sweet and charming personality.
I never felt like he was a 'tutor', more like a friend.
Although I had not seen him in ages I am truly saddened and will miss him dearly.
My thoughts go to his family and friends, to Erika and to all his colleagues.
I love the photos you have posted - they immediately make you smile and you can hear that 'Muttley-type' chuckle and see those shoulders shake.
It's only now the reality is begining to sink in that he's really gone.
Love to all his family, close friends and colleagues who must feel it even more.
Thanks to Erica and Mark for setting up this site.
Hils xxx
Lovely to see Peter's smile in the photos, I have such vivid memories of Peter, first as a teacher - fierce, passionate, funny and most of all full of encouragement, and later as a friend. It was such a lovely surprise to bump into Peter not long ago in Rye, and I was really pleased that my two daughters got to meet him. He will be so greatly missed but he has made a deep and sustaining impression on all of us. My thoughts are with Erika and Gill and Peter's family and colleagues. I will be out of the country on the 6th but with you all in my thoughts. Thanks for this site.
I will miss a great teacher and colleague. Sadly I will be out of the country on 6th April but my thoughts will be with everyone remembering Peter's wonderful spirit.
Laura
-Peter was a wonderfully charismatic teacher, the most inspiring colleague that a have ever worked with and a true friend. He encouraged me to take my current post in Bahrain and had promised to come out and stay with me in the sun---after his skiing. I cannot believe that he will not now be comming and that I will not have the chance-after Bahrain--of ever seeing him again--working late into the evening on student portfolios. He gave so much and will leave such a gap in so many people's lives. My sympathies to his sister, other family, friends, past and current students and colleages at kcc, esp Mark, Erika (thanks for this site) and Kelly and Caroline. I think a student bursary in his name is a wonderful idea and would have been his choice.(He will have St Peter's portfolio sorted by now!)I will be there in spirit on April 6th and see you, Erika, when I am in the UK this summer, in order to make a contribution to the 'Peter Stanley Bursary. You should not have gone so soon Peter--but I think you have left a lot of your energetic spirit with us all. Much regret but love and gratitude for the 4 years I worked with you. Ronn
Re:
I am still in awe of the patience and kindness with which Peter (and Erika) dealt with every one of the students who passed through their care at K and C. Such selflessness in the face of the sometimes selfish panic us students went through during the art school application process!
It was impossible to have spent time with Peter and not left with some truly indelible memories.
Thank you.
Henry Garfit
Peter came to live in my house on a temporary basis while he looked for somewhere to live; that was four years ago, and during the whole of that time, my kitchen resounded with our laughter. So much laughter, my neighbour Ruby, said it made her laugh to hear it.
It was Peter’s spirit and passion that made him special, and his huge warmth and kindness that made him unique. As Head of Fine Art my subject area of photography came under him, he was always supportive of what we were trying to do, even though the complexity of it all sometimes irritated him!
My little daughter (now 6) treated him as an uncle on her visits to me. I have a precious recording of the two of them talking. He even (and this was a shock to him) developed a fondness for my cat even after she pissed in his shoes! I would often come down to breakfast to find him in conversation with her, sorry Peter, I know I swore I wouldn’t tell!
He will be very sadly missed, someone who touched so many lives. Good bye Peter.
My dear friend,
So...I left and I didnt have a chance to talk to you, Peter. Then you left few days later. Who knows where!
I told you I never go to funerals, that Im still not able to face death as part of life. And then few months later, you died... Well, Ive decided to go to your "last goodbye".
I want to bring you a little branch from an olive tree. After this I will be in peace with you and will remember all the positive things you brought into my life.I´ll keep the passion!I will, Peter.
I will meet you there...my friend (but I dont know when!).
Luisa
Peter
Your warmth and humour stay wih us.
Now about that yard of art
Mike J
Passionate, sometimes irate, full of mirth. True to yourself and always on the side of humanity. I can hear your voice all over the college.
I had the privilage to spend some time with Peter on his last day. The sun shone and Peter skied with style and relish. He had great courage and verve. Greatly missed by all who knew him. A conspicuous absense and a space that cannot be filled.
Phil Ritson said...
Peter was a gifted and generous spirit. His advice to me about any subject was always taken and his knowledge of his subject was enormous. I will remember playing a game of golf last yr at St Albans when neither of us played well , with huge scores. Peter & I laughted so much at how good we were before the match began and our scores were useless.
Peter was an amazing person who had time for everyone. I will always cherish his thoughts and advice for ever.
Tuesday,4th April,2006
I was very shocked and upset to hear about Peter, who was one of the best people I have ever worked with and a good friend. He made some very grey times full of glee. Peter was a terrific person who always made me laugh, (and as I have read from other people) cry (with laughter). I feel very sad indeed.
Gillian Singer
"...just decide what it is - seeds, pods or something organic and physical - then get on with pushing it as far as possible". Without Peter's 'encouragement', enthusiasm and honesty I wouldn't have risked applying for art school let alone be at one. Life changing and enhancing. What a mentor! Much love.
I first met Peter in the days when the only computer in the department was a green and black screened Amstrad which belonged to Gill and there was free cona coffee for staff in the office. It seems like eons ago.
I am so glad that not so long ago I expressed my sincere thanks to Peter for teaching me how to teach. Working in the same room as him was like working with a Master Craftsman. He was truly engaged in a dialogue with students about their work. From him, needless to say, I also learnt how to bollock the lazy ones!
My best memories of Peter are of weaving our way together with Jill Raven and Simon Betts through the streets of Amsterdam after a "kop stoop" or two...or three or four or more. My God, did we laugh. Then, and later when we remembered it. Until the tears ran down our cheeks.
Peter, wherever you are, I hope you realise how much you are missed. It is such a strange thing to be in this bulding and not meet you coming round the corner, huffing and puffing, with reference this and reference that, stopping for a chat that is either full of indignity about the abuse of the English language or laughter over some idiotic story.
Kate Gwynn
Tuesday 4th April 2006
It's a true testament to Peter that so many have left such lovely messages about him. I remember Peter when we were both at the Slade in 1980. I remember his generous spirit, his affection for others and his sense of humour. He was a great friend to some of us who didn't deserve it.
I will miss him, his work and can't believe that he isn't here any longer. The day that I heard he had died I wore my old wedding suit to work, I hadn't worn it for years and years. Peter was at my wedding, when I got home and was looking for somethig in our spare room a photo fell out onto the floor (honestly) from a pile of books - it was Peter at our wedding.
All my love Peter,
Paul X
Peter was a wonderful man and we all loved him very very much .he worked under much stress along side a wonderfull and very talented woman erika winstone they had a beautiful partnership for 22years witch i am sure no one who new them as well as i did will ever forget.
when peter died (a very sudden death)evry one was extremly sad and still are, in fact people are still in great sorow and pity even people who bearly new peter.
to myself it is like loosing a part of me ,my family, my mothers work (knc).I could not take it at first (as im sure it is very hard for evry one)but i have realised peter will be very happy in a better place and that he was enjoying himself on the last wonderful few days of his life.
peter was a man who would stop at nothing to help people and encorage them,he was a man of many talents and he belevied in evreybody!
peter stanlys funarall is this thursday,for the many of you who cant be there just think of him.
peter was very special to my family and we are devestated to have lost him.
i just want to say i love you peter and will miss you.
r.i.p peter (a man we will never forget!)
love Anna dean (erika winstone and mark dean's daughter)
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
We have been remembering the boules competition in Battersea Park, the back falling off of Peter's car with us all inside screaming in hysterics, Peter coming to our wedding in a loud checked suit so my Mum thought he was the magician.
Peter looks very happy in the photos on this site. I wish we'd seen more of him.
Judy S.
Yesterday evening i read the comments, and so many of them made me smile. I dreamt of Peter last night and woke up in tears. Tomorrow will be hard but good too because it will be the celebration of a lovely man who made us laugh to tears and who was not himself afraid to cry because he had such a big, big heart.
With love from Manon
Dear Peter,
I wonder if Heaven is a no-smoking place...I can well imagine you at the gate sneaking for a fag and a laugh with some new "arrival"...
Peter I never thanked you enough for believing in me when I didn't. I owe you (and Erika) a lot for guiding me where I am today. I am near the end of the second year of my degree and selfishly, I am sad that you will not be there to see my degree show. But your spirit is with us and I will never forget your mischievous laughter and the twinkle in your eye.
Thank you and thanks to Mark and Erika for this website.
Emmanuelle
Dear Peter,
“Au revoir..”
Just wanted to wave good-bye..
You really have touched and inspired so many lives!!!
We miss you a lot in college and I still think that at some point sooner or later you will walk in the studios as usual...
Your laughter and your passion for art and teaching still echoes in the air around KCC….
You will always be that great inspiring man for so many of us….Thank you...
Farewell and keep an eye on us.
Lizzie
I feel privaledged to have known such a creatively energising and giving man.
Patrick
It was such a pleasure and a privilege to work with you, dear Peter. We will always remember and be inspired by your intelligence, enthusiasm, humour, and gift for bringing out the best in people; your motivation, - and general ‘bigging up’ and mischief.
So glad we had a good laugh on the phone before you went on holiday.
Much love from Lynne and David.
We have been keeping an eye on the site and every day it grows richer - what a wonderful thing the internet is, allowing the voices of so many people who would'nt normally have a voice. We have all been able to share each others feelings.
What an wonderful and amazing man Peter truly was- to inspire so much love and dedication. His funeral was a beautiful testamant to the esteem in which he is held. Erica and Mark have enabled this site and its constant updating of it is thoroughly appreciated.
Please keep on with the feelings.
Love from Jane,Sarah and Joe Eyton
You were not just a wonderful tutor but a wonderful person too. You were such an amazing source of inspiration to me. Thankyou for helping me overcome all the difficulties I faced, you were confidence, homour and friendship to me. If it had not been for you and your determination and faith I would not be where I am today.
KCC was one of the happiest years I have had and this is thanks to you as well as all the other supportive staff.
I wish I had had more of an opportunity to stress these things to you more, to let you know how much you did for me, and I'm sure, for everyone else.
I am sorry I couldn't be there on the 6th to say goodbye properly.
You are in my thoughts
Mary
Peter was an inspiration to me, a mentor and a dear friend. I felt priviliged to work with him at KCC. His energy was unbridled and and his dedication to art and to his students was paramount. We could often be found giggling under nervous pressure amid a sea of unhung art or paperwork, yet it always worked out. I enjoyed his dry sense of humour and respected his frankness. People talked so highly of him yet he was so humble -a very special person I am so glad to have known. It was a shock to me, I have moved to New York and it happened the day I flew out. However, I was lucky enough to have told him how greatful I am to him and how much I will miss him, before I left. Who knows why these things happen, we must just remember the good times and hold the memories dear. We will only know why when we are there too. I will miss him.
Thank you Peter.
I worked with Peter for the best part of 15 years at Kensington & Chelsea College. Working with Peter was a privaledge. It was the most glorious mix of histerical laughter, "heated debates" on art education, and our courses, and the belief that we all were working for the students no matter what paper work might be thrown at us. And it was Peter's total commitment to his students, and an undiminished belief in art education and its potential to give students choices, that shines out from those years. He would always go the extra mile to help someone, he would always stay that little bit later in the studios to make sure a students portfolio was ready, or a problem was solved. The really great thing about Peter were the laughs, until we had tears running, and seeing him rushing around the College, chatting to people in corridors or "reference", outside cadging yet another fag. However my best memories of Peter will always be the Foundation/HNC Amsterdam trips, and the sheer milage we covered on bar crawls with Kate Gwynn and Jill Raven! Peter came with me to Holland for a weekend in 2002. I'm so glad we did that trip Peter. I'm so glad you pointed out my inadequate car insurance only after we drove off the ferry at The Hook! And I was so glad you pointed out my headlights were not adjusted for driving on the right only after I'd driven for an hour in the dark! It was what we wanted it to be...a great laugh, great chats and plenty of "kop Stoops". Peter, thank you.
Simon Betts
You made me welcome when I was new.
You told me I would be missed when I moved on.
Its very quiet without you.
I wish I had known you better.
Miss you.
Carol Nayler
I am so happy to have known Peter for this last year.
Peter and Erika gave me a job at the HNC course last year. This has proved to be both an incredibly giving and challenging job to me, and Peter was always there to guide me about students, lectures, my own doubts... I really could not have done it without him.
I believe that it takes courage to take chances on the young and inexperienced like myself! He has given me a great opportunity which I will never forget.
And I miss him very much.
Maria Zahle
Peter Stanley
My friend.
Alan Taylor.
I love you and miss you and thank you for everything you gave me
Laura Jacobs
Thanks Peter for going on at me to finish my work after the mid year show. I was so dishearted at my half finished work that I really felt I had let you and Erika down.
But for some reason you really believed that I could get it finished.
"Just get one box completely finished" you adivised me.
If it wasnt for this belief I dont think I would have bothered and I now have a finished display of my work.
Thanks Peter.
Jodie xx
Peter, you inspired me greatly. Thank you for pushing my work, and being a fantastic, supportive tutor. Olivia x
Peter and I had been out of touch for a few months, so I have only just heard the news. He was a wonderful tutor and friend to me since my time at Heatherley's. Much later, Peter encouraged me in my love of the art of ancient civilizations, and on hearing that I was planning a trip to Egypt, said, "Ooh, you must go to the quarry at Aswan - there is a gigantic granite foot sticking up out of the sand, but it's a bit off the beaten track..." He proceeded to tell me the story of how he had found it some years before, and gave me convoluted directions, which I followed to the letter. Alas, even after much tramping about over boulders, into gulleys and behind safety cordons in the blistering heat, no foot. On my return to England, eager to see the photo I had promised him, he enquired how I had got on. I confessed the failure of the foot mission, to which he replied, "Didn't you even get arrested - WE did. You can't have been looking hard enough!"
Thank you, Peter for being such an inspiration, and for teaching me how to look harder.
With my love, from Anna Ricketts
Although it was Peter's job to be our teacher, it never ceased to amaze me how far-reaching that role was for him. He would always go way beyond the call of duty with his time, support and friendship, to everyone. I think he truly believed in art, and in us. It was a great privilege to be his student. Thank you for everything Peter, I often think of you. Much love, Felicity Greenland.
To Uncle Peter
Miss you loads, with love
"Happy Birthday Peter". Thinking of you, missing you and wishing you peace.
love Erika
Christmas is upon us and I am mid-2nd year of my BA Sculpture @ Camberwell.I am finding true fulfillment in my work and am learning so much. KCC seems far away now, so much is happening, but Peter, no, he is never far away, only through him and Erika have I come thus far, only through him have I the strength to believe. As an artist I am forever indebted to Peter Stanley, may he view my work with the same exasperation and understanding and enthusiasm as he once did. I pray that I may hold a sliver of that magic that was his and be able to share it with others.
Peter, you live on in our hearts, but the empty space of your person will echo long.
Happy Christmas 2007
Two years have passed and it still hurts just as much to know that you are gone. I love you and miss you.
Every single time I walk down Hortensia Road on my way to Heatherley's I still expect to see you huffing and puffing into work, Susan says the same. Remembering Peter Stanley is not difficult. XL.
Thinking of you, four years today. It could be just yesterday. Your presence, warmth love and laugh is still so vivid. A testament to how much you gave.Ex
We're having a Lets get together in April, and you won't be there. Dear Omlette - you'll be missed.
Yours
Triplet xx
I have only discovered this blog today and I thank you for it. Peter was my friend since 1980. I remember sanding down bones with his girlfriend for one of his exhibitions at the time ! We never lost sight over the years and I always saw him when I came to London. I adored him. We would visit galeries, go the theatre together and how I loved shopping with him ! He made it such fun, never seemed bored. He was witty, passionate about every form of art, more interested in others than himself. I miss him terribly and whenever I think of him I smile.
Uncle Peter
Think of you often and miss you always
Lisa
It's been so many years Peter but you still pop into my thoughts... You were such a big part of my time in London.
It still makes me sad that I didn't get to see you one more time
xx Elodie (the little aussie wombat as you used to call me)
and I have just discovered this blog today too and am aware of how loved Peter was and still is and what a tremendous amount of passion he conveyed to all his students and friends. What a truly lovely man, one of the best.
Peter taught me at Heatherley's in my foundation year. A fantastic, inspiring teacher he taught with great knowledge, intensity and wit. I have cherished the experience I gained during that year and will always remember him with respect and gratitude.
Luisa Ramazzotti MFA
Just over a week ago, I found out that Peter had passed away when I went to visit Erika Winstone at KCC for the first time since about 2002. Peter and Erika persuaded me not to drop out of the course I did with them way back in 1990. They made an excellent team, always encouraging and believing in me, and I learnt more on that one course than I learnt at the countless art, printmaking and design courses I have since attended. It is a real pity I didn’t go and visit them when my plans for further art studies didn't work out in 1992 – I am certain Peter would’ve persuaded me not to give up, to follow my dreams, and my life would’ve been very different from what it is now.
Dear Peter,
Still miss you and wish you could be in my life now.
Always thankful to have meet you and became your student.
Lisa x
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