Brian Dowling
I am sorry to report that Brian Dowling, long time editor of the Annual Report 1994-2003, died peacefully on New Year’s Eve, aged 87.
Brian was educated at Tonbridge and Christ's College, Cambridge.
The former Fleet Street journalist and Rank Films publicist was one of the last men in London to wear both a monocle and a bowler hat, although he fastidiously insisted on referring to it as a Coke hat.
“Brian had an eye for pretty women and I once saw him, in Manhattan as it happens, simultaneously lift his hat and pop his monocle at a sassy New York lady about 50 years his junior,” says his friend, Quentin Letts. “It takes years of practice to do that.”
Dowling worked for Picture Post and was leg man for Bert Hardy, the celebrated photographer. In the Fifties, he ran the public relations department at Rank Films and was one of the few executives to stand up to Rank’s notorious boss, the bullying John Davis. Inevitably, Dowling was fired, but he escaped with his dignity.
Later in life, Dowling - who continued to play Real Tennis well into his 70s - was a stalwart of the Savile Club, where his congenial manner so endeared him to younger members that he was known by the affectionate nickname “Uncle Gally”.
Much loved father to Sue, Lizzie and Adam, brother of Shaun, and proud grandfather and great-grandfather.
The Funeral Service will be held at Beckenham Crematorium, Elmers End Road, Beckenham on 20th January at 1030. Flowers welcome or donations to www.parkinsons.org.uk.
A letter from the Jeu de Paume
Monsieur le Président,
Le Comité du Jeu de Paume de Bordeaux a appris le décès de Brian Dowling.
Au nom des membres qui l'ont connu et apprécié, je me permets en qualité Président de rendre un dernier hommage à cet homme qui a tant fait pour le Jeu de Paume à l'international ainsi que pour la T&RA.
Recevez Mr le Président, l'expression de notre sincère considération, auprès la grande famille que représente le Jeu de Paume dans le monde.
Paul Van Der Linden
Président Du Jeu de Paume de Bordeaux
Déléguée Audrey Périé Bernardot