|
|
 |
| |
| Paul Collett – passionate
about the arts |
CAMDEN’S unique blend of arts and music owed a great debt
to Paul Collett, Camden council’s leading arts promoter, who
died unexpectedly last month. He was 44.
Mr Collett (pictured) devoted his life to promoting the visual arts
and music in the borough. Tributes from people who worked with Paul
drew a picture of a calm, committed man who had a passion for art
and music. He devoted his life to helping fledgling artists get
off the ground.
Staff at the Camden Arts Centre, Arkwright Road, Hampstead, planted
a Rowan tree in his memory. The centre’s education manager,
Oliver Sumner, who worked with Paul Collett for said: “He was
a great supporter of artists and young people and residents in the
borough.”
Mr Collett, who lived in Walthamstow, was a central member of the
Camden Arts team for 21 years until his death.
Colleague Steve Roper, who shared an office with Paul for ten years,
said Paul was working for arts in Camden right up until his death.
He said: “He left work on Friday to see the doctor. On the
Monday he died. It was a complete shock – he didn’t smoke,
or drink – he seemed totally healthy.
“He loved the visual arts and music too. He had a sound system
that cost the same as a small car – I think that tells you
everything.”
Mr Collett died in November, suddenly, from a pulmonary embolism
– a condition which blocks the blood stream and is virtually
undetectable by doctors.
During his time as Arts Officer, Mr Collett worked on a range of
high profile projects to give Camden residents and artists opportunities
and experience. Paul was greatly respected and valued by his colleagues
in the council and in the arts sector across London.
Colleagues remembered him especially for the development of the
council’s gallery at Swiss Cottage, and a number of art commissions
across the borough.
Most recently, he worked on the popular lighting scheme alongside
the Regent’s Canal.
At the switching-on ceremony for Regent’s Canal lights in November,
Town Centre Manager Kimberly Paumier gave tribute to Mr Collett’s
work.
She said: “I was sorry to hear of Mr Collett’s death.
He was instrumental in the setting up of these lights. We are very
sorry he could not be here to see them switched on.”
His work in recent years has brought together the Create King’s
Cross partnership, which will provide extensive new creative opportunities
for thousands of people in the borough and surrounding area.
Co-workers from the King’s Cross partnership said: “He
was inspirational to work with and held in the highest esteem by
everyone who knew him.
“We will miss his professionalism, and the arts sector in Camden
and London will miss his support enormously.”
Paul, unmarried and without children, leaves behind his mother Helen
and his brother Simon.
Paul’s funeral took place at Golders Green crematorium on Friday,
November 18.
TOM FOOT |
| |
|
|
