British Eccentrics

[storeynicholas]

Often these people are well known for something important but are also remembered for eccentricity. Here's W Wilkie Collins (friend of Dickens; author of The Woman in White; The Moonstone etc.; opium addict and, although unmarried, the partner of two women during the same period and the father of three children:



NJS

[Frog in Suit]

Don't you think Betjeman belongs here, as well?

(Thank God for eccentrics.)

[marcelo]

Don't you think Betjeman belongs here, as well?

(Thank God for eccentrics.)

By all means! Betjeman’s habit of carrying a teddy bear throughout Oxford in the 20’s inspired E. Waugh to create Aloysius – S. Flyte's teddy bear. As for Betjeman’s unlaced shoes, mentioned in another tread, please do let us know if you discover anything.

[Frog in Suit]

All I know is that Betjeman's statue in St. Pancras (What a lovely building, that, which he saved from destruction) has untied shoelaces, because (I think) his daughter insisted on it, as being typical of his carelessness in clothes.
The statue is to the left of the station, when one faces the tracks, at platform level.

[marcelo]

All I know is that Betjeman's statue in St. Pancras (What a lovely building, that, which he saved from destruction) has untied shoelaces, because (I think) his daughter insisted on it, as being typical of his carelessness in clothes.
The statue is to the left of the station, when one faces the tracks, at platform level.

Cher FiS, thanks for this.

For his song from 1932, N. C. also has a pride of place in this thread:

[marcelo]

Famous clock at the Eccentric Club.

[storeynicholas]

The revived Eccentric Club is shortly to host a dinner for its illustrious Royal Patron; of which more, anon and, I hope, some pictures!
NJS