Comments on: Rodney Archer, Aesthete

By: Bill

Bill — Sat, 02 Sep 2023 12:36:58 +0000

G.W. Godwin devised the interiors at 34 Tite Street. The great Godwin! And butchers were allowed to rip out this monument of Aestheticism and toss it into the street!

Butchers!

So glad your friend salvaged some relic from this desecration. From what I understand, Godwin had much of the interior painted white, I don’t know if the dining room was, too. The ceiling was painted by Whistler, I think. I imagine that’s all gone, too.

I hope the barbarians are happy with their swank new decor. I wish you had more pictures of Mr. Archer’s abode!

By: Robb Scott

Robb Scott — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 09:54:54 +0000

Rodney taught me acting at the City Lit along with Valerie Colgan. He was such a character! Incredible sage! I never became an actor, but I will never forget Rodney! He has such a nimble wit and great theatrical timing! Thanks Rodney!

By: Alwyn Goodacre

Alwyn Goodacre — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 17:37:22 +0000

Is this the Rodney Archer who appeared at Lincoln Theatre Royal in the days of Philip,Claire and Brian producers and Directors ? I also worked at the theatre and have many happy memories of all the actors and correspondence from Rodney and other actors. Very happy times

By: Robert Blake Whitehill

Robert Blake Whitehill — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 18:28:30 +0000

Rodney and Powell Jones taught me voice 30 years ago at BESGL (British and European Studies Group London). Both were tremendously encouraging. It is good to know the Millennium has benefited from Rodney’s gentle and lively presence. What of Powell Jones, I wonder.
RBW

By: Rozelle Bentheim

Rozelle Bentheim — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 08:23:06 +0000

I was lucky enough to have been taught by Rodney at the City Lit over two years. I’d come from art school, Central School of Art, round the corner and the projects he set were the next step in what Central taught us – how to think. I’m so grateful. What he and his teaching partner taught are the foundations of what I do now. So thank you Rodney for your generosity, warmth and opening my mind. Love Rozelle

By: Barbara Ware (nee Stutchbury)

Barbara Ware (nee Stutchbury) — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 06:59:27 +0000

Thanks for giving me a “taste” of old Spitalfields. This site was recommended to me by cousin Stella, who’s roots are firmly planted in the City, and I have not been disappointed. Although I am a Kentish girl my roots too go back to the City and it is fascinating to read of its characters and see the old buildings that my ancestors would have known.

By: Michael Ayers

Michael Ayers — Tue, 29 Oct 2013 19:05:33 +0000

Rodney- everything a drama teacher should be. And a great citizen

By: Ahmet Aydogan

Ahmet Aydogan — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 18:36:52 +0000

I am so delighted to have found this article and photo of Rodney Archer. I had the distinct pleasure of being one of Rodney’s students in at voice and text class at BESGL (British European Studies Group London) in 1977. Although I was a theatre “techie” and a frustrated filmmaker/photographer, Rodney was able to coax a few bits and pieces of performance out of me. What’s more, he gave me an insight into the world of acting that I have never forgotten. He and Powell, were among the most memorable university instructors I had.

I hope that he will have the opportunity to read this message and discover what a lasting, wonderful impact he has had on my life.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 16:03:58 +0000

Just got here from doing a search on Rodney Archer right after I watched a 2 minute video on Aljazeera about his love for his historic house. What a lovely house and a lovely man, and yes, a lovely article 🙂

Interesting to read about the Oscar Wilde fireplace too!

By: Allan Lochhead

Allan Lochhead — Sun, 09 Sep 2012 11:51:39 +0000

Rodney was a brilliant and inspirational teacher at the CityLit. He was greatly loved by his pupils. It was a golden age for me. My fondest memory of Rodney was when at a staff concert he sang “Nobody wants a fairy when she’s forty”. Three cheers for Rodney!