What very sad news to hear of Gerald's death.  Christopher Proudfoot
and I called at his home in Denham, almost five years ago now, and
were blinded by the sheer number of rolls and exquisite instruments
which he had looked after for so many years.

It was a joy to offer [at the auction] the roll library and pianos, the
robot and cabinets, and so many who viewed that sale had fond memories
of him.  Thanks to Gerald, each roll was kept in order and catalogued
fully.  The rolls are currently being copied to MIDI files and will be
available to see and hear in a couple of years.

We could tell he had bad health at the time, but he put a very brave
face on his condition.  Eileen supported him brilliantly and his
knowledge of the subject was on the level of a talking encyclopaedia.
Whenever a Russian inscription appeared on something I was handling,
I would call him to ask for his opinion -- he did not need to look
things up and the answer was always correct.

The last time I had the pleasure of speaking to him was around October
time last year.  It had been a while and I was keen to see how he was
coping.  He spoke just as he always had -- clear, happy and vibrant.
I could hear Eileen preparing lunch in the background so left them
to it.

Another dear friend who has passed on, but one who left great memories
and a legacy we all look up to.  Our thoughts are with Eileen and his
family at this time.

Laurence Fisher