Robert Hardy or 'Tim' to those closest to him, was one of the finest actors of his generation with an extensive body of work including Siegfried Farnon in the television series All Creatures Great and Small and Cornelius Fudge in the Harry Potter films. In Call Me Tim, author Julien Chilcott-Monk has created a poignant memoir of his friend that not only details his life as an actor, but also recalls his passion for history which led to his valuable contribution in the resurrection of the Mary Rose and his academic discoveries on the part of the longbow in the major battles of the past.
Over fifty contributions from the acting world, including Dames Judi Dench and Eileen Atkins, along with history professors, family and friends present us with a compelling portrait of Tim and a detailed insight intoy. this most extraordinary man.
It's my pleasure to be sharing my review of Call Me Tim: A Portrait of Robert Hardy today, Many thanks to Auriel Roe and Dogberry Books for sending me an advance digital copy of the book.
In the section of Call Me Tim which looks at Robert Hardy's religious beliefs, it is observed that the actor had a dislike of atheists so I'm not sure how he would feel about me reviewing this book about his life. I don't read many memoirs but was drawn to this, partly because like so many people of my generation he will always be Siegfried Farnon. I qualified as a veterinary nurse in my early twenties and my desire to work with animals was definitely inspired by James Herriot and All Creatures Great and Small, the television series based on his books. However, I also always enjoy learning about other people's interests and there can be no doubting that Timothy Sydney Robert Hardy CBE FSA, or Tim to his friends, was enthusiastic and knowledgeable about a number of topics. I rather suspect that the man was born to share his passions and so while we may not have seen eye to eye on religion, I rather hope he would enjoy my keenness to learn more about him through this memoir.
Call Me Tim: A Portrait of Robert Hardy is not a biography detailing his life chronologically and the author, Julien Chilcott-Monk who was also a friend of Hardy's, describes it as a collage. He remarks that the cumulative effect of each person's contribution gradually gives us A Portrait of Robert Hardy. It's arguably his preoccupation with history which is most interesting; he was an expert on the longbow and consequently became a valued member of the team involved in raising Henry VIII's warship, the Mary Rose. I remember following the efforts to resurrect the ship as a child, and either didn't realise or have since forgotten that one of the actors from one of my then favourite television shows was so involved.
His eagerness to share his knowledge is one of the most consistent memories shared of the man but Hardy's sense of humour is evident throughout the book too. The more fiery side to his character is also alluded to, although I suspect glossed over a little. However, this isn't meant to be a hatchet job and so it's entirely fitting that it's his joie de vivre which is the enduring impression. I enjoyed the memories shared by people who knew him through his acting world but some are a little lightweight and for the most part, I preferred the recollections from those who knew him on a deeper level.
There are some lovely photos shared of Hardy which complement the amusing anecdotes and fond reminiscing; the result is a warm, affectionate portrait of this intelligent, fascinating man.
Call Me Tim: A Portrait of Robert Hardy is published by Dogberry Books and can be purchased here.
About the Author
For many years Julien Chilcott-Monk lived within the Anglican Church - indeed, he spent some years at Kelham Theological College (after two at the Royal Marines School of Music in Deal) intent upon entering the Anglican Priesthood. He regards the years spent at both places as some of the most valuable of his life. He finds he owes much to those formative years, especially for the discipline they instilled and the enthusiasm for study they gave. Perhaps the value of those years was appreciated less at the time.
Now a Catholic author, composer and director of Vox Humana and Gregoriana, a cappella choirs he founded in 1995 and 1975 respectively, (www.voxhumanaandgregoriana.com) Julien lives with his wife in Winchester. He has great enthusiasm for the Oxford Oratory, and, inter alia, is fond of the poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins and Scandinavian symphonic music.
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