Post by admin on Jan 20, 2009 0:54:08 GMT
Tribute to LAWRENCE NOEL – Notting Hill Carnival Mas Pioneer
Press Release by Inspiration Arts
A pioneer and highly respected carnival artist of London’s Notting Hill Carnival (Europe’s largest street festival) sadly passed away in hospital on December 23rd 2008, aged 73, after losing His battle with lung cancer.
Lawrence “Stretch” Noel was instrumental in the development and structuring of many carnivals and festivals worldwide. He inspired and supported numerous groups and individuals from around the world with his creativity, love and passion for the carnival arts.
Born in Prince Of Wales Street, Trinidad, in 1935 Lawrence came to England in 1959 to develop his knowledge of engineering.
Lawrence met his wife to be Joan, who he later married in 1962. Starting a family, Lawrence worked as a colour matcher and sprayer for a vehicle company. After an industrial accident which left Lawrence disabled, he moved on to sales having been partially rehabilitated. Soon after he became a founder member of Trinity housing which later developed into East Thames Housing. Whilst working as part of the housing association he turned his hand to costume design and construction. Using his experience of Trinidad’s Carnival, knowledge of engineering and his creative flare, Lawrence began to create innovative and mesmerizing costumes.
In 1973 Lawrence Noel alongside his wife Joan Noel and a handful of friends introduced costumes made in the U.K to the streets of Notting Hill, thbaby their organisation Trinbago Carnival Club. With 3 weeks preparation, limited B get and endless determination they produced over 40 costumes that were paraded on the streets.
Lawrence and Joan Noel helped to break down many cultural barriers of that generation and laid solid foundations for many of the countries future Carnival artists and community workers. Their efforts were recognised by HRH Prince Charles in 1979 when he invited Mr Noel to Buckingham Palace, in appreciation of his artistic and community contributions to British life.
Over the years Lawrence Noel has influenced and inspired numerous individuals (from the local community to professional artists), World renowned carnival bands and organisations, Local, National and International carnivals (such as the Notting Hill Carnival, Waltham Forest Young Peoples Carnival, Birmingham, Reading, Holland, Germany, Greece to name but a few). As well as having works featured in numerous plays, exhibitions and productions (such as Black Heroes in the Hall of Fame, Shaw Theatre, the Victoria and Albert museum, Leytonstone Library and Chelsea Football Club). Events such as the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and the Lord Mayor’s Thames festival saw some of Lawrence’s work. As a qualified youth and community worker, some of the most memorable times were the workshops Lawrence conducted at Leyton Youth Centre, other community centres and schools in and around the U.K.
The Numerous trophies, awards and accolades that Lawrence has received over the years are a reflection of his high standards, love and commitment for his work, community and family. His most recent award from the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission which he received in October 2008 was said to be one of his proudest.
Many have called him a “creative genius” and a “legend”, for many there are no words that can describe his positive energy, welcoming charisma and caring nature. What is certain is everyone that has had the privilege of being in the presence of Lawrence Noel has a positive experience to share, a story to tell and a lasting memory of a fantastic and genuine human being.
Lawrence is watching over his proud wife of over 46 years, 8 children 18 grandchildren and a community that he helped to develop inspire and support.
Lawrence’s personality, generosity, willingness to help others, immense capacity for friendship and his humility made him be loved and respected by so many. He will be missed, but never forgotten for his contributions to our lives and this world.
A celebration of Lawrence’s Life will take place on Friday 23rd January 2008 at Our Lady of Lourdes RC Church, 51 Cambridge Park, Wanstead, London E11 2PR at 9:30am
Then onto St. Patricks Cemetery Lodge, Langthorne Road, London, E11 4HL.
Press Release by Inspiration Arts
A pioneer and highly respected carnival artist of London’s Notting Hill Carnival (Europe’s largest street festival) sadly passed away in hospital on December 23rd 2008, aged 73, after losing His battle with lung cancer.
Lawrence “Stretch” Noel was instrumental in the development and structuring of many carnivals and festivals worldwide. He inspired and supported numerous groups and individuals from around the world with his creativity, love and passion for the carnival arts.
Born in Prince Of Wales Street, Trinidad, in 1935 Lawrence came to England in 1959 to develop his knowledge of engineering.
Lawrence met his wife to be Joan, who he later married in 1962. Starting a family, Lawrence worked as a colour matcher and sprayer for a vehicle company. After an industrial accident which left Lawrence disabled, he moved on to sales having been partially rehabilitated. Soon after he became a founder member of Trinity housing which later developed into East Thames Housing. Whilst working as part of the housing association he turned his hand to costume design and construction. Using his experience of Trinidad’s Carnival, knowledge of engineering and his creative flare, Lawrence began to create innovative and mesmerizing costumes.
In 1973 Lawrence Noel alongside his wife Joan Noel and a handful of friends introduced costumes made in the U.K to the streets of Notting Hill, thbaby their organisation Trinbago Carnival Club. With 3 weeks preparation, limited B get and endless determination they produced over 40 costumes that were paraded on the streets.
Lawrence and Joan Noel helped to break down many cultural barriers of that generation and laid solid foundations for many of the countries future Carnival artists and community workers. Their efforts were recognised by HRH Prince Charles in 1979 when he invited Mr Noel to Buckingham Palace, in appreciation of his artistic and community contributions to British life.
Over the years Lawrence Noel has influenced and inspired numerous individuals (from the local community to professional artists), World renowned carnival bands and organisations, Local, National and International carnivals (such as the Notting Hill Carnival, Waltham Forest Young Peoples Carnival, Birmingham, Reading, Holland, Germany, Greece to name but a few). As well as having works featured in numerous plays, exhibitions and productions (such as Black Heroes in the Hall of Fame, Shaw Theatre, the Victoria and Albert museum, Leytonstone Library and Chelsea Football Club). Events such as the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and the Lord Mayor’s Thames festival saw some of Lawrence’s work. As a qualified youth and community worker, some of the most memorable times were the workshops Lawrence conducted at Leyton Youth Centre, other community centres and schools in and around the U.K.
The Numerous trophies, awards and accolades that Lawrence has received over the years are a reflection of his high standards, love and commitment for his work, community and family. His most recent award from the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission which he received in October 2008 was said to be one of his proudest.
Many have called him a “creative genius” and a “legend”, for many there are no words that can describe his positive energy, welcoming charisma and caring nature. What is certain is everyone that has had the privilege of being in the presence of Lawrence Noel has a positive experience to share, a story to tell and a lasting memory of a fantastic and genuine human being.
Lawrence is watching over his proud wife of over 46 years, 8 children 18 grandchildren and a community that he helped to develop inspire and support.
Lawrence’s personality, generosity, willingness to help others, immense capacity for friendship and his humility made him be loved and respected by so many. He will be missed, but never forgotten for his contributions to our lives and this world.
A celebration of Lawrence’s Life will take place on Friday 23rd January 2008 at Our Lady of Lourdes RC Church, 51 Cambridge Park, Wanstead, London E11 2PR at 9:30am
Then onto St. Patricks Cemetery Lodge, Langthorne Road, London, E11 4HL.