Matthew Higham, a former partner and friend of the writer, has died at the age of 79. His life was marked by a series of diverse and unconventional chapters: as a teenager, he ran away from London to Scotland to marry his pregnant first wife, Kay, after their parents forbade the union. He trained as a blacksmith and studied at the E15 theatre school in London alongside Mike Leigh. He briefly worked in Berlin in an undisclosed role for MI6, sold knickers at Brixton market, and learned to drive heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) for British Rail.
From Truck Driver to Antiques Dealer
After driving trucks to various parts of the world, Higham co-founded St Giles European Transport in Norwich in 1978 with his brother Ben. The company specialised in antiques haulage. Following the end of the transport business in 1983, he worked for antiques dealer Peter Howkins, running his large shop in Great Yarmouth. In 1992, he set up his own business, focusing on buying country furniture and artefacts from the Czech Republic and France.
Higham sold most of his finds to people in the trade, but for the last 20 years of his career, he also operated from retail premises at Bayfield Hall in north Norfolk and the Post Room in Norwich. His restless nature drove him to hunt for antiques across Europe, the US, and China, finding worn and weathered treasures in remote places. He collected many experiences and stories, which he recounted with delight to anyone who would listen.
Early Life and Political Awakening
Born in Holborn, central London, to David, a literary agent, and Helen (née Witton), a journalist, Higham grew up in Hampstead, north London. He attended various schools in the area, but none recognised his dyslexia, and he survived by becoming the class entertainer. Largely self-educated, in his teens he became politically aware, joined at least one Aldermaston march, and left the Sea Scouts to briefly join the Communist Party of Great Britain.
After years of roving, he settled in Norwich in 1970, where he lived in the heart of the city for most of the rest of his life. He accumulated two wives, two partners, and five children over the years.
A Life Lived to the Full
Well versed in the antiques trade, Higham's special skill was living life to the full. According to his obituary, his energy was so strong that it drew people towards him, which was fortunate because his greatest passion was people. He observed, engaged with, entertained, argued with, cared about, flirted with, was kind to, and believed he always understood them. Despite a tendency to loucheness, he had a deep sense of what was right, decent, and good, without judgment or pomposity. He was always generous and welcoming to strangers, to anyone struggling in life, and to young people trying to find their place in the world.
Matthew Higham is survived by his second wife, Adina Levay, their son, Felix, and his four other children: Mark from his early relationship with Kay, Oliver with his one-time partner Huguette, Gabriel and Rose from his relationship with the writer, and his brother, Ben.
