A man of many talents

Ron Dellar died at his home in Angmering on September 30. He was a man of great talent, enthusiasms and passions and very well known in Rye, where he and his wife, Mel, ran Western House (now Willow Tree House) as a B&B for well over 25 years until they left to live in Angmering some 15 years ago, although his love and interest in Rye never abated.

Originally from South London, and born in 1930, Ron served his National Service in the Royal Signals, though a less likely soldier would be hard to imagine. He came to Rye via Cowden as he wanted his two sons to be educated in the comprehensive system, and the school in Rye had a good academic reputation.

Realising how important tourism was (and is) to Rye he became a founder member and Chairman of Rye & District Hotels & Caterers’ Association, and produced the early accommodation guides. He also tried unceasingly to impress upon Rother District Council and Rye Town Council tourism’s economic importance to the area. He poured his endless energy into creating the Medieval Festival, a two day colourful event that took place on The Salts, and it created great enjoyment for Ryers and visitors sharing the spectacle.

He was very active in the town, and the continued lack of interest in tourism led to him being a leading figure in Rye Forum, an organisation dedicated not only to tourism, but to promoting the best interests of Rye. He was always involved in various other happenings, whether promoting all that Rye had to offer, or fighting continually against perceived injustices and hypocrisy; never afraid to court controversy in a cause he felt was right. He wasn’t always popular, but he certainly made his mark.

At the millennium, when little seemed to be happening to mark the occasion in Rye, sponsored by Rye Conservation Society and Rother Environmental Group, he designed the Millennium Wall, a study celebrating Rye’s maritime history, and worked with Hastings College students to create an echo of a medieval boat in brick. The Spirit of Rye figurehead in Portland stone he sourced and sculptured himself. 

Ron’s commitment to Rye was shared by his total passion for painting. He was a self taught painter with a love that began when he almost nine years old. In the 60s and 70s in London he was a well known muralist, painting murals for London Transport, EMI, Taylor Nelson Associates and many other large companies.

He also spent time in Germany where he again painted murals, some of which are still extant, as well as taking up portrait and landscape painting. His love of Rye and its beautiful countryside is evident in the vast number of paintings he did during his time here, both in watercolour and oils, spending hours capturing the light and unique qualities of the town and Marsh.

While still living in Rye, he was commissioned to paint, in watercolour, the historic churches of Romney Marsh, which culminated in a very successful exhibition in Leeds Castle.

During his time he experimented in various styles, and being a true artist he was quite eclectic in his choice of the subjects that inspired him, among which are some particularly stunning portraits of his family over the years, and a portrait of the then Mayor of Rye, which formed part of his exhibition in Arundel. 

He also painted a portrait of Rye Town Clerk, and was commissioned to paint a view of St. Mary’s Church for the retiring Rector.

After moving to Angmering he became very involved with the Museum in Arundel, and spent a long time working towards its future. He also continued painting, this time the South Downs in all its moods, and interesting buildings in the villages. One of his series was of the shops, businesses and their owners working around Angmering Square, and his exhibition in Arundel showed not only his perspective of ecclesiastical buildings, but his different styles. 

With all the things Ron accomplished in his life, this can only be the briefest thumbnail sketch of a vivid man who brought colour, fun, laughter and stimulating argument to all who knew him, and he is sadly missed and mourned by his wife, Mel, his sons, Hugh and Barnaby, daughter Polly, his grandchildren and the many friends who loved and admired him.

Photo: Rye News library