EPPING: Artist dies suddenly (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

EPPING: Artist dies suddenly

4:19pm Tuesday 21st October 2008

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A TALENTED artist and sculptor was found dead in his bed just hours after enjoying a night out with friends.

Tributes have been pouring in for Paul Flack, whose skilled work will remain a part of his home town of Epping for decades to come.

Mr Flack, 47, was found by his mother, Joy, 73, on Sunday morning. His death comes 25 years after his father, Dennis, also died suddenly at home - from a heart attack - aged 48.

His godmother, Sylvia Webster, told the Guardian: “Paul was very well, and on Saturday night he had been out with a whole group of friends. He came in and watched football on the television and was fine when he went to bed.”

And referring to the death of Mr Flack senior, she added: “Paul had said that when it was his time to go he would like it to be the same. "He was funny, interested, he was happy – he just loved people and loved life.”

Mr Flack will be remembered for his painstaking work creating numerous works of art that have been, and will continue to be, admired by many, not just in Epping but further afield.

Among his work is the Epping Millennium Map – a slate map of the town featuring engraved details of prominent local buildings and people who have had ties with the town. It hangs in Epping Hall, close to Mr Flack’s home in St John’s Road.

Mr Flack was involved with the Friends of Swaines Green, and the fight to maintain the Swaines Green land for public use, and had strong ties with Copped Hall which hosted an exhibition of his work in March.

Copped Hall Trust spokesman Trevor Roberts described Mr Flack as a “staunch supporter” of the efforts to restore the historic mansion to its former glory.

He said: “He also produced a memorial stone to the first chairman of the Friends, Charles Rush, and had a very successful exhibition earlier this year.”

Epping Art Society spokesman Robin Jackson said: “He was well known about the town and a lot of people held him in high regard for his talented efforts which are still very visible around the town, especially at Lower Swaines. He was an original talent and will be much missed.”

Mr Flack used his skills to renovate a memorial tablet at St John’s Church. He also helped create a special garden at the 2007 Chelsea Flower Show called Growing Together in Faith with the late Epping Upland rector Rev Chris Bard, who was chaplain at Capel Manor College in Enfield.

He was also involved with the 491 community arts centre in Leytonstone, and had recently helped artists from the Seychelles exhibit their work in London.

Mr Flack had lived in Epping all his life. He attended St John’s School and was later trained by David Kindersley, the well-known stone letter-carver and typeface designer.

His funeral will be held at Epping Methodist Church, High Street, Epping, at 11.30am on Tuesday. His family has requested family flowers only.

Donations in his memory can be made to the National Royal Institute for the Blind or Essex Wildlife Trust.

Donations should be sent c/o funeral director Stuart Poulton, Stuart Poulton House, High Road, North Weald, Essex, CM16 6BU.

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