I’ve known for quite some time that the famous actor Peter Cushing used to wargame with 54mm figures but until recently I had no idea that he had left behind an archive that contained information about his games.
In an auction of Peter’s effects, Alan Perry managed to purchase a file box of full of stuff and Alan and his brother have been refighting some of the battles Peter fought with his main opponent, Don Houghton, and writing about them on their Facebook page.
In the January 2024 issue of WARGAMES ILLUSTRATED (No.433) ...
... there is a heavily illustrated question and answer article about the wargaming ephemera that was in the file box.
As my regular blog readers will know, I don’t often buy any of the hobby glossy magazines, but as I have an abiding interest in what I term ‘wargaming archaeology’, this was a must buy for me.
Oh ! that looks interesting I must get a copy .
ReplyDeleteThe Good Soldier Svjek,
DeleteI certainly enjoyed that article. The rest of the magazine was up to its normal standard.
All the best,
Bob
That looks a fantastic collection/archive of memorabilia of PC to have acquired.
ReplyDeleteI remember hearing that Peter Cushing lived in Whitstable when I was a student down there in the early 80s, because accommodation was difficult to find for a decent price in Canterbury many of us lived out on the coast. I also knew then that he was a wargamer. I hoped I would bump into him out walking so I could engage him in discussion about wargaming.
Nundanket,
DeleteI understand that at one point his house’s roof needed fixing … so he got it paid for by a film company he was working for.
I suspect that since Whitstable has gone upmarket over recent years, you’d probably find it cheaper to live in Canterbury nowadays!
All the best,
Bob
Thanks for the heads up on this Bob - looks very interesting. I like the term "Wargaming Archaeology"!
ReplyDeleteMaudlin Jack Tar,
DeleteCheers! I really ought to write more about wargaming archaeology. It’s a fascinating topic.
All the best,
Bob
I really enjoyed the brief article re Peter Cushing. He was a very talented man who produced some lovely flags. A large number were sold a couple of years ago on E Bay for quite a price. I wonder if we will see something about Derek Guyler?
ReplyDeleteIndependentwargamesgroup,
DeleteI must admit that I hadn’t realised that he wargamed with both 54mm and 25mm figures and was such a prolific painter of flags,
I seem to remember that Derek Guyler once appeared on something like Blue Peter to talk about his huge wargame collection.
All the best,
Bob
BOB,
ReplyDeletePeter Cushing played a staring role as an Imperial Commander in the first STAR WARS movie back in the 1970s. Another famous actor the American- Charlton Heston was a very big collector of 54mm Toy Soldiers. Cheers. KEV.
Kev Robertson (Kev),
DeleteI understand that Peter Cushing’s boots were too tight and he wore a pair of slippers for the scenes he was in.
I didn’t know that Charlton Heston collected 54mm figures … but all the best people do! (I have quite a few in my collection!)
All the best,
Bob
A nice piece of history going to a good home. I might pop out and get a copy as it looks rather good...
ReplyDeleteSteve J.,
DeleteI think that you will enjoy reading it.
All the best,
Bob
Thank you for the reminder. I had the magazine but hadn't reached that part. It was a lovely read.
ReplyDeleteKhusru,
DeleteI’m very pleased that you enjoyed reading this article.
All the best,
Bob