Comments on: So Long, Jocasta Innes

By: Greg Ragle

Greg Ragle — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 18:12:58 +0000

I at last ordered today a replacement copy of my beloved “Pauper’s Cookbook”, which helped me become a real cook. I say “real” because although I started teaching myself with a large general cookbook, it was from Jocasta Innes’ words that I developed the enjoyment of one’s own gumption and creativity that makes not only cooking but life itself more “real”.
Thankfully a writer’s words live after them! How wonderful it will be to have Jocasta’s words back again – as my first copy was used beyond repair and there’s no truer compliment for a book, than that.

By: Yocasta Fareri

Yocasta Fareri — Sun, 19 Oct 2014 06:27:01 +0000

I was very surprised to hear about Jocasta’s demise. As is evident, Jocasta and I share the same name, even if I spell my name with a Y. She and I also shared the same profession – interior design and book author. When I read “Paint Magic” I was still living in New York. I wrote Jocasta to tell her how much I had enjoyed it and mentioned the coincidence of sharing the same name and profession. About one year later, I moved to London to work and when I saw she was writing for Cosmopolitan, I wrote her a note asking her if we could meet to exchange ideas. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a reply. It’s too bad we didn’t meet as I think that we would have enjoyed each other’s company. Perhaps we will meet in the afterlife, where there must be a place up there where interior designers can exchange stories.

By: mark

mark — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 21:37:55 +0000

she was my most outstanding client. i loved working with her
she pissed off al the right people
and her masseratti jammed my road
last of the true brits
massively missed
and sympathy to richard
xxx
mark

By: Linda Leyble

Linda Leyble — Sun, 26 May 2013 16:12:45 +0000

I was so sad to her of Jocasta’s passing. She is the reason I eventually became a faux finisher. I remember buying her first Paint Magic book while I was living in my first home in Seattle – trying out her recipes for beer glazes etc. She made me realize that so much beauty could come out of humble things. I also developed a fondness for Swedish decor and, of course, for stenciling because of her. She paved the way for successful women like Annie Sloan. I only wish that Jocasta would have made more money with her paint business. Perhaps she was a bit too early in doing this, I don’t know.

I had always wanted to write a blogpost about her and I wanted to interview her and thank her for her inspiration. Alas, I am now too late. But I will still write the post. Can I email you for some quotes/content? It would be much appreciated.

Thanks for your post,

Linda

By: Thea Jocasta Sparkes

Thea Jocasta Sparkes — Thu, 09 May 2013 15:15:52 +0000

I am very sad to hear this news as I was named after her, a truly inspiring woman. rest in peace.

By: Carlotta Barrow

Carlotta Barrow — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:15:25 +0000

I was so sorry to hear this. I met Jocasta in Swanage when she was with Joe Potts and like everyone else ‘The Pauper’s Cook book was invaluable when I moved into a flat in Covent Garden. I was lucky to have a good butcher and often did the venison recipe, another favourite was the kipper pate. I last saw her in 1981, in her house in Spitalfields, I was expecting my daughter and she said ‘How delightful, I love babies’. She will be missed by so many people for her enthusiasm, creativity and love of life. I am so glad to have known her and send all good wishes to her family, the girls were small & will not remember but I remember them all & happy days in Swanage.

By: Crickette

Crickette — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 01:56:45 +0000

So sad to hear this. She was such an inspriration to me as a young housewife and mother at 19 years old…. in the early 1970s. From her I learn how to decorate a home…how to cook a danm good pot of beans, feed a crowd and add art into your home. A large part of who I have become in my life is because of this lovely, creative woman. Bless your heart.

By: Anne Fowler

Anne Fowler — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 05:54:25 +0000

I met Jocasta in 1979 and she was a revelation and an inspiration. I’ll always remember chats over dinner and the realisation that you can do anything with paint. All played a part in my approach to decoration at the time. Never forget ‘it’s only paint’ and anything can be changed so don’t be afraid.
Such sad news.

By: Judy Stevens

Judy Stevens — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:28:33 +0000

she’ll live on .. on my shelf in the kitchen –

By: phyn barr

phyn barr — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 07:12:39 +0000

I found her book in the library when I was first married over 30 years ago and it’s still on my shelf yellowed, torn but determined. I found my vegetable christmas pudding here and it became a staple every year. Thank you