Robin Jessel (1930–2005)Obituary |
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| When SIUK was inaugurated in April
1991 and I became its Membership Secretary, one of the first people
I informed of its existence was Robin Jessel, who promptly made
himself and his wife Audrey members. I imagine she had no choice in
the matter, but since she regularly sang Schubert accompanied by her
husband, he would have felt it most appropriate. I had known Robin
by then for over 40 years and was keen to engage his interest in
SIUK, and indeed it was not long before he became a member of our
committee and in May 1992 offered himself as Hon. Treasurer. The
committee did not then know how lucky they were. |
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| Not only was he a brilliant and
committed treasurer, but he had access to his own trust fund, and
over the years donated both time and money to various projects which
we undertook. Projects he directly financed included a Schubert Day
at Blackheath in 1996, a performance of the String Quintet (D956) in
Leeds on the occasion of the SIRC inauguration in 1997, and a
recital in memory of John Reed in London in 2000. SIUK’s
present sound financial situation is due to Robin’s wise
financial management and his personal generosity in early times of
crisis. His legal expertise made him the prime mover in drawing up
our constitution and applying successfully for charitable status. |
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| Robin was a man of great charm and
culture. His greatest abiding passion – apart from his family –
was music, and he was an amateur pianist of very considerable
ability and sensitivity. He was lovely to work with because of the
enjoyment he brought to our endeavours – only perhaps just a
little too critical of himself. After his death, his sons spoke of
how he always aimed for the very highest standards in anything he
undertook, but that although at heart deeply serious, he had a way
of seeming to take things lightly and of always putting people at
their ease. Although he had been subject at times in his life to
deep depression, there was nevertheless a lot of laughter in his
life. He loved to tell jokes and stories. |
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| His contribution to SIUK over the
years was great, not only in the financial sphere, but also as a
negotiator. When we were considering purchasing the Maurice Brown
collection from Albi
Rosenthal for the SIRC, he set up a meeting with Albi, at
which I was privileged to be present. I was fascinated by the
procedure: the long conversations over cups of coffee, only partly
about the matter in hand, before getting down to the nitty-gritty
but very polite attempt at bargaining; then the smiles and final
handshake when a figure was agreed. A little like elephants silently
dancing! Robin then personally arranged the transfer of this unique
collection to the University of Leeds, and later supplemented it by
the gift of the song volumes of the New Schubert Edition. |
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| Robin’s unexpected death has left
a big hole in many people’s lives – certainly in mine. His
sensitivity, intelligence and tremendous generosity to so many –
individuals as well as associations and charities – and his
exceptionally delightful personality will not be easily forgotten.
SIUK has been very lucky indeed to benefit from his many different
qualities. We extend our sincere sympathy to Audrey and to their
family. |
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| Patricia Troop |
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| Chairman’s note I have written to Audrey Jessel as a friend of Robin’s and on behalf of SIUK. It is certain that SIUK would not have survived beyond infancy without the tremendous efforts of this lovely man. My life was greatly enriched by his acquaintance. |
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| Paul Reid |