What a sad, sad loss. Having spent most of the past few years in Spain I’m ashamed to say it’s been a while since I reached out to Robert, but nonetheless I’d been meaning to get back in touch . . . and have periodically wondered how he was doing, hoping that he was finding a variety of good people to work with and plenty of interesting projects to assist on.
As an entirely self-taught photographer, my wisest initial career move in the late 1990s was choosing Joe’s Basement as my lab and getting to know Robert while he processed my weekend E6 jobs. Truly, I owe Robert a huge debt not only for his advice, insights and know-how, but also for the way in which he shared his knowledge, which was generous, enthusiastic and inspirational . . . a friendly gift to a learner in need of help, rather than a way of bolstering his own credentials.
Robert was one of the kindest, sanest, most decent people that I ever came across in the business. It appals me to realise that, behind a lovable facade, he was quietly suffering.
Sometimes, the news of a person’s death prompts a painful realisation that we cared far more for them than we troubled to show through our efforts and support. Robert was a beacon of warmth and wisdom for me, and the world is that bit darker and harder to navigate now that his lovely light is gone out.
Alex Sedgwick
If you would like to add your remembrances or pictures of Robert to this website, please email them to Tom: [email protected]