Guide Fond memories of a great supporter of Sussex arts
Music and art
Sussex is remembering a ‘passionate and committed lover’ of the arts who created huge opportunities for young and established musicians and artists.
David Bowerman, who has died, was High Sheriff of West Sussex from 1990 to 1991.
He was also the creator of the Music Room at Champs Hill at Coldwaltham – a venue which continues to attract classical musicians from all over the world to the heart of West Sussex. The venue sees around 30 concerts a year, with art days and garden openings. Additionally, Champs Hill often hosts live broadcasts for BBC Radio 3.
David, who was born in 1936, was well recognised in the art world as well as the classical music world, being made an honorary member of the Royal College of Music by Prince Charles in 2005.
The Bowerman Charitable Trust, which David established in 1984, seeks to promote classical music and art, including the support of young musicians and artists, as well as the growth of the Christian faith.
His wife Mary said: “Sadly David’s health deteriorated over the last five years.
“His humour and intelligence were very much to the fore, as well as a continued generous spirit, although he was unable to participate easily in all the activities taking place at Champs Hill.”
Long-term friend Michael Follis remembers David warmly: “Our friendship developed after meeting David and Mary 35 years ago, with our mutual love of music establishing many conversations and experiences.
“David was a passionate supporter of so much in the musical world – establishing numerous and generous scholarships to help outstanding young performers complete their studies, donating prizes at major competitions and providing recording opportunities for some of the most talented. Many of today’s celebrated performers owe a great deal to David and Mary for their invaluable assistance at the start of their careers.
“The formation of Champs Hill Records was a bold and extraordinary achievement: a small independent label that garnered rave review after rave review and concentrated on either giving opportunities for the stars of the future or the recording of unjustly neglected works by some of the major artists of today. So highly regarded was this enterprise that it received the coveted award from the Royal Philharmonic Society.
“In live performance so much of great quality has been delivered locally – from Music at Boxgrove of which David was chairman some years ago to the concerts at his and Mary’s home, Champs Hill, most of which would grace the world’s major recital venues. David was a passionate and committed lover of the full breadth of the arts world – even the occasional contemporary work! There are so many who are in his debt. He will be greatly missed and leaves endless fond memories with those, like me, who were lucky enough to count him as a terrific friend.”
David was made a CBE in 2004 for his services to West Sussex.
David Bowerman