Comments on: Mark Petty, trendsetter

By: William Cahill

William Cahill — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 01:02:27 +0000

Gentle Author,

I want to say that photo number six is really a remarkable thing: its formal aspects of shape and color, as well as the interest of its subject, is genuinely striking. Bravo to you and brava to the Viscountess and a big kiss to you both this Valentine’s Day!

By: Paul Savage

Paul Savage — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 18:30:25 +0000

Well, well, well. Just read elsewhere about the move out of Bethnal Green and I dropped a line of encouragement to the Viscountess. However, I was intrigued to read more. There’s a funny coincidence here.

I titled my mail to Viscountess as Greetings from an ex-pat Londoner. And that’s true. I am a Londoner, born in the London Hospital in Whitechapel. However, I was flabbergasted to read that like me, our subject here, Mark, Viscountess etc. grew up in the same town as me: Braintree. And in the seventies, to boot.

Now, I moved from there too, but much further afield as I now live in the deepest, darkest America (Florid’oh) but have never forgotten whence I came.

Best of luck to the Gentle Author and to the Viscountess, should anyone see her.

By: Albert Premier

Albert Premier — Thu, 31 Oct 2013 11:35:27 +0000

My respectful salutations to Mark. I also wish to express my appreciation to the people who have taken te time to write supportively aboout/to him on this blog, regrettably so very few in number…
I am retirement age so I can live where I want. I was planning to have a look at the East End or, more particulary, Spitalfields to live or to extended holiday there because from reading about it from the GA (et al.) I had the inpression that what I would find there is an interesting, tolerant, divers & easy-going community. I think a little bit different now.
I am aghast at the intolerance & violence of some people over there. It reminds me of the fifties here in the Netherlands. I’ve had more than my share of the same when I was young then. In a slightly lesser degree though. But Holland has changed into a country with a reputation for tolerance. I would say only relatively tolerant. But I have to admit that being an androgenous europeanized asian homosexual (and dressing accordingly), these days I can pass any building-site without suffering abusive language. Even so I am still carefull where I go. Not really necessary now, but the unpleasantnesses experienced in my childhood & youth left their scars…
So Mark, I know what it takes to stay alive in spirit & in body, to keep your integrity intact & above all not allowing yourself to become victimized. I think you are doing a great job about it.
And Gentle Author thank you for writing so insightfully about Mark. In Dutch colourfull people like him that have found the courage to live & express themselves according to their needs & convictions are called “Paradijsvogels” = Birds of Paradise. Isn’t that appropriate?
Friendly greetings,
A.

By: Aussie Sheila

Aussie Sheila — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 07:31:57 +0000

What a lovely lovely man. So glad you don’t let the drab folk of this world win. I lived in London until the late 1960’s when I emigrated with my family to Australia. I have never been back although I’d love to…and if I ever do I hope I have the honour and privilege to meet you, Mark.

You’ll know me, I’m the old lady with bright purple hair (or it might be blue or pink or….)

cheers

I’m working on my own coat of many colours……I just don’t have a handy local tailor LOL

By: Mark Pett

Mark Pett — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 07:37:15 +0000

Looks like he is running the marathon too:
http://www.justgiving.com/Mark-Petty

Saucey

By: Nick

Nick — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 08:58:15 +0000

Mark Petty, I salute you – you are a wonderful living riot of spring. I will say hello if and when I see you.

By: mat bickley

mat bickley — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 19:13:17 +0000

Legend

By: Clement

Clement — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 14:12:29 +0000

With regard to the Gentle’s daily posting I agree with you Angella-Dee,it is essential (for me);every day there is something more than just interesting;I especially like Thursday’s and Sunday’s offerings and also,of course any post about the more mature residents/ex-residents of this fascinating bit of London.
So,this is with very best regards to you Angella (remain strong)and to “our” Gentle Author (please keep posting)and of course to Mark (you have a great deal of admiration from many folk so I’m sure you’ll take any form of adversity in your stride),bless you all.
I’ve not seen any mention of Mr.Pussy lately,I trust all is well with him….(maybe he’s on holiday in Devon).

By: angelladee

angelladee — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 13:11:46 +0000

I am filled with empathy for Mark. What a brilliant ‘Dandy’? When he talks about being torched out of one of his houses I can really feel it. This too has happened to me in the past. I am an ‘out and proud’ transexual woman living on an estate in Islington and when I started presenting female after living here 5yrs I got the same reaction. I had my windows broken, doors bust in and once I had a pack of about 50 residents and their kids baying for blood! The police had to come and disperse them. In time one familly was evicted and others moved away and slowely I have managed to feel more safe and at ease. Unlike Mark, I have calmed down the way I dress, as when I started I too was so flamboyant, mini skirts, bright red hair and platform boots.I used to frequent Brick Lane every Sunday but I never met Mark. I stopped going regular when last year I had to have my hip replacement replaced, followed very soon after with sexual reasignment surgery. I hope after my next surgeries to be on my feet again and I do hope I will have the delight to meet Mark. He sounds like a fabulous chap!
PS Your daily blog has become my daily morning newspaper, keep up the good work!!! all my love Angella~Dee x x