HARRY 'BOOTS' BANTOCK

Harry Bantock, known to the world as "Boots" was born in 1941, and brought up in Shropshire, a relative of Sir Granville Bantock, the eminent composer. He began to paint at the age of six and his talent was encouraged and developed at Downside, after which he went on to the Camberwell School of Art.

Ever certain of his vocation he moved to Ireland in 1961, where he lived and painted peacefully from a caravan, bartering pictures with the butcher, the baker and the grocer.

In 1965 he broadened his horizons by travelling to Afghanistan, India and Ceylon and, exposed to fresh visions, gentle orientals and balmy air, painted local scenes. On his return to England he became well known as an artist and his paintings are to be found in the collections of Muriel Spark, Candida Lycett Green, David Mlinaric, Lord Tollemache, Lady Mark Palmer and Christopher Gibbs.

This then is one aspect of Boot's work. Another equally important is Boots the troubadour, who emerges clad in rainbow motley, and much to the delight of his audience, recites his poems in stentorian tones. He has written and recited poetry for numerous private and public occasions. These include a Friends of the Earth rally in 1980, sharing a platform with Joanna Lumley, Spike Milligan and Michael Palin. Also in the same year, having given a solo recital at Hay-on-Wye, he was created poet laureate by Richard Booth, the self crowned King of Hay.

In 1991 he recited at the opening of the Henry VIII exhibition at Greenwich Palace which was televised for the national news that evening. In 1994 he was again televised reciting a poem to open a meeting headed by Jonathan Dimbleby. In 1995 he made several appearances at the Edinburgh festival.

Private performances have included those for:
Lady Christopher Thynne at Longleat

Auberon Waugh at Combe Florey
David Mlinaric at the Royal College of Art

J. Rothschild partnership
 

In 1991 he was appointed National Trust poet and hermit of Stowe, amidst great media interest including appearances on national television. Since then he has appeared at various Trust events such as the Fete Champetre at Claremont, Surrey.

He has also been invited to perform at several London clubs such as Blacks, Dai Llewellyn's at the Dorchester, the Dover Street Arts Club for Lord Iveagh, and also at the Chelsea Arts Club.

Typically at these venues he entertains by improvising poems on various topics chosen by guests. In addition his talent as a raconteur and after dinner speaker has been called upon onnumerous festive occasions.