Earlier this week my brother Fergal lost a dear friend, the composer George Fenton, who died suddenly last Monday.
I had the privilege of having lunch with George (which I helped to cook!) last year when he and his wife Mandy kindly hosted Fergal’s 50th birthday celebrations in the garden of their picture postcard cottage. It was the most perfect summer’s day, and I was struck by his warmth, generosity and humility. Despite such an extraordinary career, he was remarkably understated.
During the weekend he was collaborating in his studio on a new piece, and you could see how deeply absorbed he was in the creative process.
Many of us will know his work without necessarily realising it, from films such as Gandhi, Cry Freedom, Dangerous Liaisons, Groundhog Day and You’ve Got Mail, to David Attenborough’s Planet Earth and Frozen Planet… and even the themes to Bergerac (inspired by the reggae, bassy vibe of The Police at the time) and Newsnight. He also received five Academy Award nominations.
If you have a few moments, this short video is a wonderful insight into his creative process and the impact of his work:
Frozen Planet: George Fenton at Work | youtu.be/E5KrS1xmb…
I thought it was worth sharing.
Rest in Peace George.. you have left us a remarkable legacy.
