An adoring, devoted and brilliant father of two, Dad passed away on his birthday. (Skin cancer).
Born in Jakarta to Arie (a Dutch naval commander) and Leslie Russell Butchart (founder of our antiques business back in the 30s). She was also a consultant to Sir Anthony Blunt on fine art acquisitions for the Courtauld Institute).
Dad’s sister, Gretchen, excelled at the Slade school of Art, was talent-spotted in the 1950s by rock ‘n’ roll star Bill Haley (& His Comets), who then sponsored her.
After boarding at Geelong Grammar, Australia, Dad returned to explore the country – mainly on horseback, as a cowboy – for almost 6 years in his 20s.
In the early days Dad learnt the trade from his mother, and with a couple of old-school dealers in London, joined BADA in 1974, subsequently moving the business to a large Georgian house near Bath; Box House. He loved Box. The land was on the site of a Roman villa. When he installed the pool house there in ’76, it had to be a Roman villa.
Dad moved in to the very old established antiques shop of the renowned and highly-respected Monty Sainsbury in Gay Street, Bath. Monty became his mentor, giving him unlimited access to his unfathomable knowledge and substantial reference library.
From 1984 in Pimlico Road, London, Box House Antiques catered to dealers and collectors from around the world. From 1992 we proceeded to supply antiques to clients from the UK, Europe, USA and Hong Kong. Dad was instrumental in helping many people to furnish their wonderful homes.
My father was superb company, so incredibly generous with his time, entertaining so many of us with fascinating tales of his adventures around the world. He travelled very widely indeed. He particularly loved Asia. Collecting wonderful old teak houses in N. Thailand where he spent the Winter for 25 happy years with his girlfriend. Dad helped a local orphanage there for many years. He kept water buffaloes, peacocks, guinea fowl and dogs on his farm. He would have deep conversations with his animals. He once forgot to replace the phone on the hook and we could hear him reasoning at length with one of his dogs about staying away from his water buffaloes, saying ‘’you’ll regret that Chocco’’.
A maverick. Direct with his opinions. Gregarious. Demanding of his loved ones because he wanted the best for them. Unapologetic with his humour, fearless of what he might say – serious and silly in equal measure. Highly intellectual with perfect comic timing. He earned of one many nicknames from an ex-girlfriend, who coined ‘’Jungle Johnny’’ – when they met Canaima, Venzuela, in a Cessna. He was eccentric. Largely (when sailing) he’d wear no shirt at all, and sometimes a tea towel on his head. Later I would buy him Panama hats.
Dad had an encyclopaedic mind. Antiques, history and travel were his main passions. He also spoke 5 languages, and bits of many others. A voracious reader with a phenomenal work ethic and boundless energy, enthusiasm and determination. By way of example, in 1969 he drove from London to India and back, in a campervan with Mum, Anna Harmsworth. He loved farming, and his motor racing in the UK during the 60s. When you climbed into one of his old cars he’d check ”do you have your hind leg in?” He was always full of fun and optimism, living life to the full. Ideally ending his action-packed days with the occasional cigar, a single malt, some classical or Cuban music and a good yarn.
He loved tennis, squash, snooker, barefoot waterskiing, and skiing. On one early trip he drove back up the mountain in the snow to their hotel, at the end of a (big) night out, only to discover that his friend had fallen out somewhere en route, on a corner. When he wasn’t driving all around the UK on buying trips, he was walking between salerooms in London. Or off seeking Japanese Zeros and Hispanos in Burma, and vintage Ferraris in Cuba.
He adored sailing, especially his beloved 60’ ketch, Beau Nash – named for one of his historical pin ups – on which he laid her teak decks and fitted the interior exquisitely with one of his cabinetmakers during the 80s. On her sea trials we encountered a Force 9 off Lyme Bay, but Dad did not want to call ‘’m’aidez!” and abandon ship as the other larger yachts in the area were doing, so we persevered regardless. And saved her. As I was quite young I was holed up in the foc’sle for most of it, and had a wonderful time.
Dad taught me so much over many years (attending my first house sale, aged 6, with him. My job then… to find all the secret compartments). I continue his legacy and Box House Antiques in Lymington.
His daughter, Suzy, has also inherited his great eye and is a highly-acclaimed interior designer. We were both right by his side when he died. We will all miss him so much – he was a truly amazing family man, and a super-kind and warm friend to many. His small, private service is to be held at a crematorium in Hampshire.
