Fred Bentham Memorial Service

Fred Bentham’s Memorial Service took place yesterday at the Palladium Theatre in London. Over 100 colleagues, friends and family members attended the Memorial Service, which was a celebration of the life of the man who many regard to be the founding father of the lighting industry. Roger Fox introduced a number of tributes to Fred from colleagues in the industry. Francis Reid talked about Fred’s insight into the art of theatre and its technical requirements, whilst Brian Legge and Alan Luxford of Strand recalled their time at Strand with Fred and his early involvement with the ABTT. Bob Anderson spoke of Fred’s impact on lighting at the BBC during the 1950s and his work on the Riverside Studios, whilst John Watt paid tribute to the man he felt had played a large part in designing the equipment most in the lighting industry grew up with. Richard Pilbrow reminded the audience of what a pivotal figure Fred had been and how he had sparked his own enthusiasm for this industry. The final word came from Ilse Bentham, Fred’s wife, who talked about her marriage to Fred and his love of the industry. The service finished with the dramatic appearance of one of Fred’s light Consoles on stage and a recording of Fred’s final colour music performance at Strand’s King Street offices. Fred Bentham died on 10 May following a protracted illness.

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