Friday 5 February 2021

Richard Alexander Hattatt - A Reclusive Benefactor

Richard Alexander Hattatt, known to us as Uncle Dick, was a prodigious collector. An astute businessman, first running the family firm, 'The Hampshire Preserving Co. Ltd.', followed by a career in advertising where the company, Riggs and Hattatt, amongst other coups, secured the contract for promoting Heineken lager, his wealth was created through commerce, later to be redirected into amassing a notable collection of antiquities.

Richard Alexander Hattatt, Scotland, 1930

Never an Adonis, the apocryphal family story was that, at his birth, when presented with the new born baby, his mother exclaimed, "My God, he looks a hundred." Notwithstanding, he married twice, in each case to glamorous women, disavowing the adage of age wearing or the years condemning.

The Hampshire Preserving Co. Ltd., Romsey, Hampshire

Staff photograph, 1930s. RAH standing on far right.

He had a propensity for choosing cavernous, somewhat ugly houses and, in his later years, became something of a recluse, retiring to a rambling bungalow on the Hampshire coast where he reduced the extensive garden to a desert of concrete paving in the interests of ease of maintenance. Adopting a frugal lifestyle as a widower, water was boiled, not in a kettle, but in a small baked bean can to provide exactly the amount required for a cup of Instant Coffee. The weekly menu, mostly to be had from tinned food, never varied so that shopping was efficiently carried out and the smallest increase in price noted.

Tinned fruit, vegetables and jam, exported throughout the world

Those honoured with an invitation from Uncle Dick to visit were treated to a wonderful experience. Housed in legions of chests, cabinets, cupboards and cases was 'The Collection', pieces of museum quality, true treasures of the Ancient World. A frequent traveller with Sir Mortimer Wheeler on archeological digs, Uncle Dick established a collection of Greek and Roman artefacts, said to be one of the finest in private hands, and made a name for himself in writing what are now regarded as definitive works on the subject. Amongst his 200 or more Greek pots was a new Athenian black-figure artist on an Attic white-ground Amphora representing 'Dionysus and The Return of Hephaestos' which has been named Mr. Hattatt's painter.

Amphora decorated by the Hattatt Painter with RAH's books.

Roman brooches became a passion, and it was these which earned him academic recognition. Each one of his 1,600 examples were meticulously drawn, catalogued and mounted on uniform white blocks, each bearing type-written identification and bibliographical detail. He was elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries in 1983 and, for his generous donations to the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, his name was placed amongst their 'Roll of Honour' on the Museum's main staircase.

The Roll of Honour, Ashmolean Museum, Oxford.

His funeral in 1992 was attended by a distinguished few, mainly representatives of the Devizes Museum, Ashmolean Museum and British Museum whose institutions were the main beneficiaries of his will. Prudent to the end, his philanthropic bequests may have avoided what would have been crippling inheritance taxes but served to enrich museum collections for the enjoyment of all.

96 comments:

  1. A strange name to English ears. Looking on namespedia.com most people named Hattat (one T) are in France. The site is also extremely helpful in informing us that Hattat reversed is Tattah and that Hattatt (two Ts) is a misspelling!

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    1. Hello Tasker,

      Yes, Hattatt is indeed unusual and we are the only Hattatts in the UK. Relatives do exist in Canada but there are only about 9 Hattatts in the world.

      We have traced our relatives back to the C17 and in the C18 Hattatts were major land owners in Hampshire. Indeed, in Broughton church there are commemorative tablets to several Hattatts, one of which happens to be Jane Hattatt.

      Hattat with three t's appears in France and Turkey, but these have different origins.

      Thank you so much for adding your name to our followers. We hope that you will enjoy what we write.

      Delete
  2. Hello Jane and Lance, Count on the Hattatts to have such a colorful relative. I recall you mentioned the preserves company before, but not the antiquities angle. Since I have made my own small stab at antiquities, I find this fascinating, especially since he obviously went after prime examples, and became an expert who could discuss and publish his finds.

    That he was a somewhat eccentric individualist is also firmly in the Hattatt tradition--of course this is meant to be taken is the best way. Apparently his appreciation for beauty was so rooted in the past that he was indifferent to any beauty in his immediate surroundings and paved his land. How ironic for the uncle of Lance Hattatt, the esteemed gardening authority.
    --Jim

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    1. Darling Jim,

      We are delighted that you have found the post of interest and always find your collection of antiquities and unusual items highly intriguing.

      Latterly, living a reclusive life, 'Uncle Dick' did adopt many strange habits and was not the easiest of men. That said, he did over time develop a formidable knowledge of his subject and could be most interesting in conversation.

      The garden was a horror story. And, quite probably, our own foray into gardening which took a very different approach was in some way an antidote to his. Well, each to his own as they say.

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  3. It is lovely to have an illustrious relative in one's background. Lucky you.

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    1. Darling Pat,

      Well, he certainly was a character. His taciturn nature was such that he could be extremely difficult on occasion and delightfully entertaining the next. Lucky? Perhaps.

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  4. Quite the complex fellow, it seems. So interesting that when some people "expand" in one direction, they tend to "contract" in the others; a passion for one thing leading to the exclusion of almost everything else.

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    1. Hello S,

      Thank you for your comment.

      Now that is a most apposite way of describing the personality of 'Uncle Dick'.

      His expansion was into Greek ceramics, antique coins, Roman glass, Roman pottery lamps, Iron Age tools and flints and Roman brooches. The contraction came in the form of food. Meals were best avoided at his house as they were positively inedible. Good for the diet, though!

      Delete
  5. I see that I have caught you at your revival of your Blogger posting. How you found me in Seattle, WA USA I have no idea, but it would be interesting to know.
    You two seem to have quite an interesting lifestyle, and interesting family history as well. We have no such claim to fame but do like gardening and old stuff and have visited many such places on our several trips to England.

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    1. Hello Linda,

      Old blog chums who hail from Seattle led us to you this time around.

      We have no idea why we did not connect years ago, but then the Blogosphere is a labyrinth and easy to find oneself lost. We applaud your diligence in maintaining your blog for so long. We have had a long absence but have missed our blog chums and so here we are again.

      With such an identifiable name, the Hattatts can easily be tracked down and we tend to verge on the eccentric rather than the usual. Still, it all adds to the spice of life.

      Although Uncle Dick was no gardener, we have enjoyed many delightful gardening years. It was a joy to stroll around yours since one can have all the enjoyment without the work.

      Thank you for following us and we hope that you enjoy what we write. We shall keep in touch.

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  6. Ah, my mention of the Ashmolean last night I think must have something to do with this post. Yes, I looked at the Hattatt vase and thought about the man behind the collector. Now you have enlightened me and I know the story. Thank you.

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    1. Darling Rachel,

      You are absolutely right.

      We wondered if you truly believed us so we were inspired to tell the whole story. Although we have mentioned the 'Jam Factory', as it was fondly known, before, we have not told the story of one of its main characters.

      So, Uncle Dick in most of his eccentricities has been revealed for you and the public at large. We hope that you have enjoyed reading about him.

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  7. Fascinating insight into the life of a loved and illustrious relative, eccentric in his ways towards the latter part of his years but has leaving behind a legacy courtesy of fine collection.

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    1. Darlings,
      Thank you for your comment.

      We are so pleased that you have enjoyed peeping through the keyhole of Uncle Dick's life.

      He was a most curious man and, as happens with most avid collectors, he lost sight of the real world and buried himself in an alternative reality. But, in the end, he was generous in his bequests.

      Whatever, he needed the two of you to assist with garden design. After the toil of removing acres of paving slabs, you could have enjoyed a field day with your wonderful planting schemes!

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  8. I am not surprised that there is a very interesting Hattatt forebear who contributed to the betterment of society and culture.

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    1. Darling Andrew,

      Thank you for such a kind and generous comment.

      In his lifetime, Uncle Dick could have been called mean but, at the end, he did show incredible generosity. Whatever, we shall never forget actually holding artefacts in our hands which were formed by human hands more than 2000 years ago.

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  9. Interesting chap - I wonder whatever became of Romsey Jam? Jx

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    1. Darling Jon,

      Romsey Jam went on for quite some time and lasted throughout and beyond the second world war.

      Its demise came when eating habits changed and people stopped eating quantities of bread and jam for afternoon tea.

      In the mid 1960s the factory became a Waitrose store, car park and bus station following a fire in the original office buildings.

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  10. Uncle Dick's plus fours are lovely. I think they deserve to make a come-back in the fashion world. Maybe I could adapt a pair of old trousers...

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    1. Darling Margaret,

      We are delighted that you spotted the plus fours!

      We were hesitant about including the image as part of Uncle Dick's head seems to have been chopped off by a Scotland sign, but it was those plus fours and harlequin socks that we could not resist.

      We have every confidence that you could lead a fashion revolution. Now is the time!

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  11. I love the Devizes museum (along with the Ashmolean and British), I have drunk Heineken and I am sure I have eaten some preserves in my long career as an amateur antiquary, so I feel an even stronger connection to your illustrious family and my own after this post. Also, my late sister lived in Romsey - does that count?

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    1. Darling Tom,

      We have no idea why Uncle Dick left so many things to the Devizes Museum [which we now see has been renamed the Wiltshire Museum].

      We note that the Museum has one of the biggest Bronze Age collections in the UK and know that Uncle Dick gave them their pick of some 400 pottery Roman lamps which he had collected. He also had a large number of Iron Age artefacts so maybe those were of interest too.

      The Ashmolean had the 'Hattatt Painter' amphora. before the bequest they only had fragments of pottery from that era. His was the first complete piece that they acquired. For free!

      And, such a small world that your sister should have lived in Romsey. And so sad that she is no longer alive.

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    2. The Devizes museum also has (probably not) the best/worst collection of stuffed Great Bustards in the country, all (two) in a vast glass case with dried foliage representing their natural habitat on the nearby cavalry practice plains.

      Talking of Great Bustards, Why (oh why) have you implemented the comment moderation restriction? We all need instant gratification in these troubled times, so you must do your bit by taking it on the chin whenever some misanthrope or pervert passes by, and let harmless perverts such as myself pass without let or hindrance. Anything else is a cruel waste of time.

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    3. Darling Tom,

      We have always had the comment moderation. This is not to prevent Great Bustards flying in, but, rather, so that we are certain when we publish our comments that they will receive a reply at the same time.

      We do not want a situation where comments, which we value so dearly, sit waiting for a reply. That, we would feel, is an even greater cruelty to our kind readers.

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  12. Oh, Jane and Lance, what a delightfully eccentric uncle to have had, a gentlemanly hobbyist of repute! And to have travelled with Sir MW would have been the stuff of dreams. I do hope you have copies of his publications on your bookshelves.

    As an aside, I find his complete faith in the nutritional value of the family's preserves to represent a lost declaration of loyalty amongst the commercial elite today. Imagine the present executives of Heinz regularly sitting down to tinned meals!

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    1. Darling Pip,

      Thank you for your comment and thank you for the glorious reply on your post!! Oh those Happy Hippos, how we have laughed about them!

      We do indeed own hardback copies of Uncle Dick's tomes. They do not make for light reading both actually and metaphorically but they are certainly comprehensive. And, as you can see we own a cardboard cut-out of the 'Hattatt Painter' vase. the Ashmolean did rather better!

      We like your idea of Uncle Dick considering the nutritional value of the tinned meals which he consumed but, alas, we rather fear that it had more to do with convenience. From shop floor to table with as little intervention as possible would have had great appeal for him.

      What a wonderful image you place in our minds of the Heinz executives. 57 varieties... more than one for every week in the year....what is not to like?

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  13. I am so impressed when people make their reputation via scholarly publications and conference presentations. Your uncle Dick was even more impressive in choosing a subject (Roman brooches) that could not have been easily researched.

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    1. Darling Hels,

      Yes, we agree, there is something to be admired in people who make it their lifetime's work to do a thorough research job on a topic of interest and, in the process, become authorities on the subject. In many ways, Uncle Dick did exactly that.

      Perhaps in some ways, this was a compensation for a university education which he never received but, most probably, would have dearly liked. He was born in 1910 and had to take responsibility for running the family firm instead of following his own path.

      Nevertheless, in the end, he did achieve recognition by experts in the field and this pleased him enormously.

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  14. A life well lived when a descendent can write such a tribute.

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    1. Darling Joanne,

      That is a most generous way of thinking.

      We would certainly like to think that Uncle Dick and his beneficiaries felt that he had done a good job in looking after treasures on his watch.

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  15. Your Uncle Dick sounds delightfully eccentric, in the best possible way. How wonderful to have made his fortune and spent it in this way, becoming an expert in the Ancients - a subject I adored as a student. My father was also Richard, and a popular Uncle Dick to his many nieces and nephews, as well as a self-educated scholar who loved to write. The coffee tale amused me, so careful to use just one tin of water. A lovely post, so enjoyable to read dear Jane and Lance.

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    1. Darling Patricia,

      Thank you for your kind and generous comment.

      A chance comment on another blog prompted us to tell Uncle Dick's story. He was remarkable in many ways.

      A man of his time but, also, with an eye firmly on the future. His catchphrase was to "watch the way that everyone is going and run in the opposite direction". It certainly was his business motto and it definitely worked for him.

      Your father sounds to have had many parallels with Uncle Dick. Perhaps the independence of self education really makes people strike out in unusual ways. However, we hope he did not serve Instant Coffee...a drink we cannot bear to this day.

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  16. What an intresting read. What ever became of his huge stash of antiquities? Were any passed on to you two? That would be quite amazing to have in a family still. What a always find amazing in our family histories. It's amazing to hear and see how our far previous and not to far previous lived and what they did. I look at our family now, and while we are all grateful and happy, we appear like normal people now. We have some art pieces passed down. My mother is not fond of them. But I told her she must keep them hanging. They will come to me next and I'll keep the works. But I'm sure over the years since my fathers passing we haven't either sold or passed along things we probably shouldn't have.

    Your Uncle Dick sounded like a hoot to me. And most intresting.

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    1. Darling Mistress,

      Thank you for your comment.

      Yes, nothing so strange as family we say!

      Alas, we showed you our acquisition from Uncle Dick in the form of the cardboard replica of the amphora now resting in the Ashmolean Museum. Uncle Dick sold many of his treasures in his lifetime in order to 'trade up' and purchase better or finer or rarer examples of his collection. When he died, all the rest went to museums, the items having been carefully selected and promised to them beforehand. In this way, Uncle Dick was securing his legacy which, in a way, made perfect sense.

      As for us, we are surrounded by things which hold memories of times past. Although we have tried to live by the rule of "one item in, two must go out", this has never materialised. And so, we can tell stories about virtually everything we own, except perhaps the fridge freezer, a brand new acquisition!

      You certainly should keep hold of the art pieces. They obviously hold a place in your heart as well as your mind. Perhaps you could share them with your blog chums, I am sure we should love to see them.

      We think that Uncle Dick would have amused and interested you...

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  17. Dear Jane and Lance - welcome back, it is lovely to see you here gain, and I trust that you have both been keeping well.
    Your Uncle Dick appears to have been an unusual character - on the one hand extremely frugal, but on the other he must have spent a small fortune. Acquisitions such has his do not come cheap.
    Next time I am in the Ashmolean I shall watch out for his 'Hattatt Painter' amphora.

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    1. Darling Rosemary,

      Thank you for your warm welcome. It is so good to see that you are still here in Blogland delighting your readers with your most interesting and well researched posts. We shall be over to visit soon.

      You are right. Uncle Dick was a man of at least two halves. And, his collecting did cost [and accrue] a small fortune. Always searching for the perfect example of a kind, his was a quest rather like searching for the Holy Grail. The interest of museum curators gave him a sense of value and worth. Perhaps that is what we all seek in some way in our lives?

      Do seek out the amphora. Such a wonderful museum.

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  18. An interesting life and one that has left a legacy, you must be proud of your lineage. It’s good to be somewhat eccentric don’t you think, to be an individual.

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    1. Darling Jenny,

      Thank you for your comment.

      Eccentricity is a trait we find particularly attractive. Indeed, we can confess that as we are drawn to people who are 'on the edge' so to speak, this has, at times, led us astray. But, for all the disappointment and heartache this may have caused, it has brought the very best of times too!

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  19. He used his wealth to preserve the glories of the past and then ensured that the public would benefit from being able to see them too -- a worthy legacy, I'd say!

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    1. Darling Debra,

      Thank you for your kind comment.

      Yes, we would agree with that. For ourselves, we should have to confess that we would have been tempted to hold onto a few things, but then we are on the sentimental side. It was such a treat to actually hold those things rather than view them in a museum case.

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  20. I loved the 'staff' photo...I wonder were David and George alike in any way to 'Uncle Dickie'?.

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    1. Dear Libby,
      Thank you for your comment.

      Perhaps you have spotted the family likeness? David was Uncle Dick's brother and George his father. At the time of the photograph, George owned the factory which was later inherited by RAH.

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  21. Welcome back to blogland Jane and Lance. I have looked for you over the years, just in case you came back and here you are. I like the portrait of you two and Teddy in your other recent post.

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    1. Darling Terra,

      Thank you for your warm welcome back.

      So pleased that you like the portrait. We love it and Máté.

      We have been absent for too long and have missed our blogging chums. It is wonderfully reassuring that you are still here in Blogland and continuing to write such interesting posts.

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  22. Nothing so queer as folk as they say LOL. What a colorful character your uncle was. I am certain that his "color" and eccentricities were not always easy to abide, but how I would have loved to spend a few afternoons with him.... He must have had some incredibly fascinating experiences and I envy him his ability to go on digs with his friend. One of my degrees is in anthropology and so archeology has always tugged at my heart strings. He truly must have had a passion for the things he loved to dedicate himself so wholly to them. As for his quirks, well, he certainly successfully secured his place in the memories of his descendants, did he not? So glad I have found your blog....I am so looking forward to many more glimpses into your fascinating world. ~Robin~

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    1. Darling Robin,

      Thank you so much for your kind and generous comment.

      Although we have just met in Blogland, we knew from the start that we might be blog chums.

      Your own background is wonderfully eclectic and intriguing. We suspect that you would have found Uncle Dick's 'Collection' fascinating and might even have endured afternoon lectures with him to take a closer look. However, you would have been well advised to take some refreshment with you since hospitality in the form of any food was not a strong point for RAH.

      His passion for his 'Collection' was infectious and we do admire people who give wholeheartedly to their interests whatever they may be. As you say, such individuals do add colour to life and that, we applaud them in general and Uncle Dick in particular.

      We shall certainly keep in touch and are thrilled to have made contact.

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  23. I don't have anyone really famous in my family.......but my dear mum did make fabulous marmalade and Victoria plum jam.
    Does that count?

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    1. Darling Mary,

      It is not fame or fortune that is endearing, just a sweet soul.

      We suspect that many hearts and minds were won over by the marmalade and plum jam of your mother and it is a great skill to make perfect examples of these.

      Even with our family background, we have never made marmalade that 'set' properly. Thank goodness for Oxford coarse cut!

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  24. Somehow, Richard reminds me of the professor in the Narnia books; an eccentric recluse who turns out to be a very kind man who possesses special knowledge.

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    1. Darling Meike,

      Thank you for your comment.

      Yes, you are absolutely right!

      We had not drawn the parallel before, but it certainly very appropriate.

      And, visiting Uncle Dick was just like stepping through the wardrobe. One was greeted at the front door of the totally unmemorable bungalow by a bell marked with Dymo tape [ everything in the house practically was labelled with Dymo tape] "PRESS GENTLY AND WAIT". Then, after what seemed like eternity, Uncle Dick appeared and one was led into the Wonderland of Ancient Greece and Rome. Amazing!

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  25. Dear Jane and Lance,
    This was such a fascinating read into your uncle's life and great achievements. I enjoy reading such accounts of family history. I don't have an eccentric Uncle in my family, though I may very well end up being the eccentric aunt in future stories. 😊 Thank you for sharing. It's lovely having you back with us in blogland. I hope you're having a delightful Sunday.

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    1. Darling Sandra,

      Thank you so much for your warm welcome back. It is so good to hear from you once again and we do hope that our return may encourage you too back into Blogland. You are needed here!!

      Family history always reveals some interesting characters. It is interesting to think about how different we all might have been to live in a different time or place. But, who knows, we may all end up being eccentric one day. What starts off as a hobby can so easily become an obsession. Well, that is certainly what happened to Uncle Dick.

      We are indeed having a lovely Sunday and trust that you are too.

      We are delighted to reconnect with you. It has been too long. Let us stay in touch.

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  26. What an amazing, eccentric individual your Uncle Dick must have been. I was astonished by the sheer quantity of Roman brooches he managed to collect, 1600 sounding like an impossible number. How wonderful that he bequeathed such treasures to museums, so that they can be enjoyed by all.

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    1. Dear Loree,

      Thank you for your comment.

      The quantity of Roman brooches is indeed in itself quite remarkable. However, when added to the hundreds of Greek pots, countless ancient coins, who knows how many Iron Age artefacts and drawers upon drawers of Roman lamps, it really does add up to a phenomenal collection.
      Unsurprisingly, RAH was a significant benefactor to the museums, enhancing their collections in these particular fields substantially. So, yes, good that many can benefit from this rather than a select or chosen few.

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  27. Wonderful to hear from you after all this time and it's pleasing you are both alright in these not so good times.
    Uncle Richard (Dick) interesting man it seems. How generous to leave his precious belongings to Museums so other can enjoy.
    Was very amused in how he boiled his water, really saw the funny side of that!
    Take care.

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    1. Darling Margaret,

      Thank you for your kind comment. It has been fun seeking out past chums and reconnecting. It is too long.

      And, we are delighted that you are well and retaining a sense of humour in spite of these challenging times. The baked bean tin could have been looked upon as a good way to save the environment but the Instant Coffee was something else. Quite horrid.

      Without a doubt, RAH was an interesting man. Not at all easy, often impossible, totally obsessive, but he did leave a legacy that was impressive of its kind. And, in the end, gave it all away.

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  28. Each one of his 1,600 examples were meticulously drawn

    This must have taken him hours?! I think he would have survived lockdown easily. Maybe embracing our inner eccentric is the way forward?
    Sx

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    1. Darling Ms S,

      Well, once one has meticulously drawn one Roman brooch, one surely gets into the swing of it. So, 1600 can be dashed off in no time....or a lifetime!!! As you are beginning to see, Uncle Dick was rather obsessive and he never owned a television.

      Embracing the not so inner eccentric is definitely a way of life for us and, we suspect, for you too. Indeed, seeking out those with a touch or more of eccentricity certainly helps to keep life interesting. Imagination is key!!

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  29. Lovely blog, thanks for stopping by mine today!

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    1. Hello Christine,

      Thank you for your kind comment.

      We like to spend as little time in the kitchen as possible, so it is a treat to immerse ourselves instead into your delicious blog posts. We are still talking about the salmon en croute!

      We hope that you will find something of interest in what we write.

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  30. Thank you so much dearest Jane and Lance for sharing a fascinating story of Uncle Dick. He sounds like a remarkable character and a true antiquarian. He did make up for his frugality in buying food with his generosity in leaving his collections to the public collections. It is quite clear that he was also prolific in his writing and sharing his expertise in the field of his interest - collecting ancient brooches. Perhaps, he was born in the wrong era or he could be a reincarnation of a gentleman from the Grand Tour period when they collected ancient arts and artefacts and intaglios.

    His preference for serving tinned food reminded me of my late grandfather who was fond of serving tinned fruits floating in the sugary water as a pudding. Etiquette was supremely important to him. So, we either had to swallow it or unload it from the bowl (when he was not watching) to the nearest plant pot in the dining room!

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    1. Darling ASD,

      Thank you for your kind and generous comment.

      We do think that you would have been intrigued and amused by Uncle Dick. An afternoon would have been sufficient but handling the artefacts of Ancient Greece and Rome is something that stays with one for all time.

      Yes, he was a product of the times in so many ways. His photograph shows him in his twenties....rather incredible in comparison with today's twenty somethings.

      We loved the story of your late grandfather and think that we know exactly what you mean about the tinned fruit. We remember it as 'Fruit Cocktail' served in 'sundae dishes' and all really rather nasty. When we first came to Budapest, some twenty years ago now, we were served a 'fruit cocktail' in a restaurant. The last time we had indulged in one [ if indeed indulged is the correct word] was in the 1950s. But, that sums up Budapest in so many ways. Sometimes it is incredible to think of it as a capital city of Europe but it is beautiful nonetheless.

      Hope you are keeping warm and staying safe, dearest friend. J and L xx

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  31. How wonderful to see you back!
    I hope that all is well in Hattatt world and that you are surfing this strange life we now lead safely and as happily as you can be.
    Other Half has been researching his family tree as a diversion during lockdown. It is astonishing how far afield one's relatives can be spread if we look hard enough. Mostly though the glimpses available via the medium of the internet leave more questions than answers. It would have been lovely to have known some of these obviously fascinating characters as you have been so fortunate to do with the inimitable Uncle Dick!

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    1. Darling Jessica,

      Thank you so much for your kind comment. It has been too long!

      We are fine and are so pleased to be reconnected with so many of our blogging chums. Your blog has clearly gone from strength to strength and the website is very impressive. We have signed up to follow you and your adventures!

      We are absolute devotees of Find my Past and Ancestry. It helps to have an unusual name but, increasingly, as you say, the 'family' spreads out in all directions so it is difficult to keep track. However, one does learn a great deal about social history through the ages.

      Uncle Dick was certainly a fascinating character but we could have chosen a John Hattatt.... hanged for sheep stealing in the C19. Dangerous times!!

      We shall keep in touch!

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  32. Love the knickerbockers. "Never an Adonis" I would have been quite happy to hitch my petticoats for Dick, in exchange for a jar of delicious Romsey Strawberry Jam.

    Sadly, we do not have an uncle Dick in the family but we do have an aunt Regina!

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    1. Darling Mitzi,

      The photograph of Uncle Dick shows him in his mid 20s!!! We admire your positive outlook on everything and do, ourselves, love the 'knickerbockers', but, darling Mitzi, even for 1600 Roman brooches, we do not think that you should have been prepared to 'hitch your petticoats [love that phrase] let alone a jar of jam [ it could have been tinned peas].

      We do so hope to 'meet' Aunt Regina on your delightful blog one day. We always suspected that you had Royal connections. How wonderful!!

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  33. What an interesting ancestor! By chance, we've been immersed in TWO successive dinner-on-trays upstairs Poirots all about "digs" and artifacts and intrigue amongst the hot sand, and this just furthered the atmosphere. I can just smell all the metallic and hot stone of the relics, as they rested, were exhumed, traveled so far to be scrutinized and collated, then put in their best light for perused by afternoon museums-strollers and scholars alike. And what a lovely Philanthrogift to the Ages---all that splendor captured and set out for display, rather than slid into dark drawers to languish once again.

    We're snowed in a bit at the moment, which has taken on the air of a little holiday, once again, as holidays themselves have been sparsely-gathered and so small, so small. Our two "Girls" who live here in town will join us for a little tea party for Valentine's Day, snow willing, and we're anticipating all that bright young energy in the house, once again. They DO liven up a place.

    We've so missed your excursions and your own bright banter and adventures---you really have no idea what vicarious pleasure is to be had from your former posts and all their wonderful places and people and sights to see, and how fun the surprise is when your name arrives at the top.

    I cannot even THINK how to get back into Blogger and post new little musings---the little bit about Miss Beatha is an old, old memory, and it was the last time I could enter and post, but the one right before that---the FAIRY CLOTHESLINE, featuring a bright swath of good old Southern Wisteria, is a little bit that I hope you'll enjoy. It was a little Midnight Musing that I just put down in the wee hours, and was as surprised at First Cup to see it there as if the Elves had mended my shoes. And the small painting is from my dear friend Myrea Pettit, Fairy Artist from over your way.

    Must get on with this snow-clad day. I think a pot of something savory simmering on the stove is alliterative and apropos with SNOW, don't you? Hugs from the Heartland, rrrrrr

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    Replies
    1. Darling Rachel,

      Thank you so very much for your delightful, kind and most touching comment. You are definitely a reason for our return.

      It has been far too long since we have 'heard' your unique and insightful 'voice'. How we love the thought of your enjoying 'dinners on trays' immersed in the world of Poirot. We are certain that you would have loved a visit to the Uncle Dick bungalow which was just like entering an archaeological excavation but without the digging!

      You are so kind about our posts. I feel, to quote you that they are " inconsequential small happenings like a four-year-old's birthday party in 1958, down to the color of the candles on the cake", but are so delighted that they amuse and entertain you. Now, surrounded by snow, with "something savory simmering" is surely the perfect time to return to your blog. We noted that IT problems had keep you away from the screen, but you have such a unique, charming and beautiful way with words. You conjure up such vivid images with your writing that enables your readers to be transported back in time and space. Please let us be treated to more of your musings.

      Enjoy your Valentine's Day tea party and record it on 'Lawn Tea'.....surely a perfect post in the making.

      Let us not lose touch now we are reunited once more. We shall hop over and leave a comment on the fairy clothesline so that you know it was not all a dream.

      Sending love, keep warm and stay safe. J and L xx


      Delete
  34. 'Uncle Dick' sounds quite a character. He may have lived frugally in some respects but it sounds as though he amassed quite a collection throughout his life which is now being enjoyed by many. What a great legacy.

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    1. Dear Jo,

      Thank you for your comment.

      Yes, he was indeed a character and for that, if nothing else, we admire him. It is never easy to stand out from the crowd but, if we all did that then life would certainly lose its magic and colour.

      And, yes, in the end, he was hugely generous in his bequests. We like to think of all his treasures bringing joy to others instead of hiding away in secret.

      Delete
  35. Strange that in such an interesting post and life the bit that will stick in my mind is his mother's exclamation at his birth.

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    Replies
    1. Darling Graham.

      That one comment has passed down through so many Hattatt generations. Never a more true word....

      Delete
  36. Boiling water in a baked bean tin, how funny. I love eccentricity and it has to be said frugality. The Mitford family lived the most eccentric lives, their myriad books are most joyful and entertaining, worth a delve if you do not know them.

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    1. Dear Jean,

      Thank you for your comment.

      Yes, the baked bean tin was a particularly funny eccentricity as was his obsession with covering all wooden surfaces with glass for ease of wiping down rather than a need for polishing!!

      We do love quirky people since they add such colour to life. The Mitfords certainly were an interesting, if somewhat odd, family. We have to confess to agreeing with many of Nancy's 'U' and Non U' sentiments although whether anybody cares about such things these days is debatable.

      We loved your mirror. Such a pretty shape and it was unrecognisable from its unrestored state. Clever you!

      Delete
  37. welcome back to the blogging world; some babies do look old when they are first born, lol

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    1. Darling Linda,

      Thank you so much.

      Good to see that you are well and going strong in Blogland. It has been a long time since we went away but it has been fun to reconnect.

      Yes, it sounds rather mean to say but whilst all babies usually look beautiful in the eyes of their parents at least, some babies do look unattractive when first born. Uncle Dick never really altered. In the photograph he was in his twenties!!!

      Delete
  38. What a fascinating life and achievement - such dedication, and so well commemorated.

    Alas, the most memorable character among my uncles and great-uncles was a rather buffoonish early Fascist with less than scrupulous honesty when it came to medals and other people's money, who fell foul of the law over a transvestite's revolver, but still managed to be a rather unremarkably sad character.

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    1. Dear A,

      Such a fascinating name and we were enthralled. by your blog which is full of interest. We shall enjoy returning for more.

      Surely your ancestor could most definitely be a subject for a post. This would really set Blogland on fire. Action, intrigue, politics, corruption, firearms, money and transvestites and yet we feel that the story has barely warmed up. It would certainly heat up everyone's reading list in this bitterly cold weather. We shall look out for it.

      Delete
  39. I know absolutely nothing about but am fascinated with ancient historical artifacts. I read books about Rome and Greece and Egypt and gaze at the pictures exactly like a monkey would – rapt, but ignorant, retaining nothing! I would have loved to wander around your uncle’s home in just such a fashion!

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    1. Hello Kim,

      Thank you for your comment.

      Well, we certainly could not begin to compete with Uncle Dick's knowledge of the artefacts to which he devoted all his energies. But, like you, it was experiencing them which held a fascination and a magic for us. To actually hold things made 2000 years earlier is incredibly exciting and, rather strangely, we have to say that Uncle Dick was quite happy for this to happen.

      Yes, we are certain that you would have loved to peer into the chests and cupboards which housed the treasures. Just like entering Aladdin's cave.

      Delete
  40. Uncle Dick had qualities that transcended the face that only a mother could love! Such an interested man that becomes an interesting man. It was generous of him to donate his artifacts to museums to be enjoyed by all.

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    1. Hello Simone,

      Thank you for your comment.

      Yes, he was interested and did become interesting. We really think that this is a good path for us all to follow as the years go on. Since, all the people we know who show an interest in others and become involved with them, turn out to have fascinating stories to tell and always attract an interesting circle of friends.

      How perfectly you put it...."qualities that transcended the face that only a mother could love" but two wives were surely proof that there is someone for everybody.

      Delete
  41. How many darlings do you have ? A Darling Collector.
    Maud

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    1. Darling Maud,

      Thank you for your comment.

      We like to surround ourselves with darlings. One really can never have too many.

      A collector, certainly!

      Delete
    2. Thanks a lot. I love your point of you.
      I will start to call my neighbours "darling",I wonder how they will look at me.I apologize for my English. My mother tongue is German and French.
      Maud

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    3. Darling Maud,

      Hello again.

      We think that it is a very good idea to call one's neighbours 'darling'. After all, one never knows when one might need to borrow a drop of milk or something from them. So much easier when one is on friendly terms with one's neighbours!

      And, we can well imagine how 'darling' will sound in German or French. Perhaps something like....dahhhling... now that would be fabulous.

      Please do not apologise. We love comments from our darlings and even those yet to become darlings. However, if you do have a blog so that we may follow you, then please do let us know.

      Delete
  42. Devises museum - Ive been there many times so I wonder if I seen his bequests. The jams and marmalade company made me smile too - good jam is one of my favourite foodstuffs. If I were ever on desert island discs it would be one luxury I would chose to take! These family histories are more part of us than we think.

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    1. Darling Mark,

      Thank you for your comment.

      No doubt you would have seen Uncle Dick's bequests as there were many made to the Devizes Museum.... unless they have sold them, of course!!

      Yes, the 'Jam Factory' as it was locally known was a protected industry during the war and at its peak exports were made all round the world. However, after the war, people no longer tended to eat jam in such big quantities and so the factory went into decline and was sold.

      You are quite right about family histories being part of us. As we get older we find ourselves doing and saying so much of what our parents and grandparents did however much we try to stay 'in the moment'.

      Delete
  43. What an interesting man! And to love beautiful things and collect them and to pave over gardens interest me so much. All in the name of being frugal, I wonder
    Cathy

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    1. Dear Cathy,

      Thank you for your comment.

      Well, he was interesting. Odd, eccentric, verging on mean and obsessive but he was definitely interesting. Perhaps rather than than dull and boring:)

      And, his collection was certainly filled with very attractive things which he not only was knowledgeable about, but loved for their beauty. It was amazing how such fragile artefacts had survived the centuries.

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  44. Lovely blog and it's great to see so many comments.

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    1. Dear Dave,

      Thank you for your comment.

      We love it when our readers are so kind to comment. It really makes the writing so much more worthwhile to enter into a dialogue.

      We so enjoyed looking through your posts and your comments too. We shall stay in touch.

      Delete
  45. You cetainly had an interesting and illustrious relative.

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    1. Darling Pat,

      Interesting certainly but it came with a few other less endearing qualities. An eclectic mix shall we say:):)

      Whatever, he was highly knowledgeable in his field. His obsessive nature saw to that.

      Delete
  46. I have a few pieces of Roman glass that my father acquired. my near claims to fame are being descended from a Norwegian princess sometime in the 900s and also from a second son of one of the holders (maybe the builder) of Berkeley castle. my lifestyle is far more mundane.

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    1. Dear Ellen,

      Thank you for your most interesting comment.

      How exciting to have some pieces of Roman glass. It does seem incredible that such fragile materials can last the passage of time. I can remember holding a piece and wondering at the myriad of colours it contained, so very pretty.

      Well, to be descended from a Norwegian princess and linked to Berkeley Castle are claims to fame indeed. It is so intriguing to trace family history back although making gruesome discoveries [in our case the hanging of a sheep stealer] adds drama to the search.

      And, Berkeley Castle is so majestic, a wonderful example of its age and the gardens, the main object of our visit, were a delight.

      The closest we have been to foreign royalty was lunch with Sonja, the Queen of Norway but that is another story.

      We are thrilled to have found you.

      Delete

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