Art
Blake, Peter (8 of 28). National Life Stories: Artists' Lives
- Add a note
Log in to add a note at the bottom of this page.
- All notes
- My notes
- Hide notes
- Add to playlist
Log in to add this item to one of your personal lists.
- Add to favourites
Log in to add and display this item in your personal list of favourites on the right hand side of this page.
The British Library Board acknowledges the intellectual property rights of those named as contributors to this recording and the rights of those not identified.
Legal and ethical usage »
Type
sound
Duration
00:27:09
Shelf mark
C466/168
Subjects
Art
Recording date
2003-04-22, 2003-06-12, 2003-07-03, 2003-09-04, 2003-11-24, 2003-12-15, 2004-03-22, 2004-07-08, 2004-08-06, 2004-11-11, 2005-02-07
Recording locations
Interviewee's studio, London
Interviewees
Blake, Peter, 1932- (speaker, male)
Interviewers
Sandino, Linda, (speaker, female)
Abstract
Part 8: Tape 4: Side B: Continues detailed description of NS experience: mentions uniform, discipline, resilience, social class, choice of Forces, basic training in Wheeton, routine. Comments on recurring references to the British class system in current recording. On fellow soldiers not being able to fit PB into any class but feeling protected by fellow recruits and officer although gives examples of cruelty of sergeants and corporals. NS friendships. Anecdote about last day celebration in Blackpool and getting drunk for the first time. Memory of returning home. Comments on reasons for training as a teleprint operator. Basic training routine described. Explanation of teleprinting. Lists postings. Description of Mum’s ‘wonderful’ time as teleprinter at Cable and Wireless also a haven for gay men. Remarks on parents’ relationship. Reflects on happiness on returning home after demobilisation. Story of working for Dad’s electrical business and on being the boss's son, while waiting for RCA term to begin. Mentions NS genesis of ‘Locker’ (1959) and pin-ups included. Reflects on role of NS in helping PB overcome trauma of cycling injuries and shyness. Fellow soldiers also possibly over-coming their problems.
Metadata record: