Remembering Philip Pacey: Librarian, Poet and Art Library Pioneer
Philip Pacey, who has died aged 79, was a distinguished librarian, editor and poet whose career spanned decades and left a lasting impact on the world of art librarianship. From 1975 until his retirement in 2007, he served as an art librarian at Preston Polytechnic, which later became the University of Central Lancashire.
A Founding Figure in Art Librarianship
His professional journey began as art librarianship was emerging as a distinct specialism within the library field. Phil quickly established himself as a key figure, becoming the founding editor of the journal for the Art Libraries Society (ARLIS). He also edited the influential Art Library Manual in 1977, a work that remains a valued reference text to this day, and later served as chair of ARLIS.
His international engagement saw him become a regular attendee at conferences of the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA). One particularly memorable gathering was the 1991 meeting in Moscow, which coincided with the August coup attempt against Mikhail Gorbachev. The conference continued in solidarity with Soviet librarians, and Phil returned home with 1,500 other delegates, carrying extraordinary memories and a renewed sense of hope.
Poetry as a Tool for Living
Throughout his life, Phil maintained a deep commitment to poetry, which he viewed as "a tool of living, a means of thinking, of sharing, of remembering, of celebrating" – an accessible practice for everyone. He found encouragement through friendships with writers like Jeremy Hooker and BS Johnson.
His literary achievements included winning the Pernod National Young Poets prize in 1971 and receiving a Gregory award in 1983. A recent anthology of his work, Falling Into Place, was published in 2022.
Early Life and Education
Born in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, Phil was the youngest of three children. His parents, Leslie Pacey, a Methodist minister, and Mildred (née Button), had met in China where Leslie served as a missionary and Mildred worked as a nurse and midwife.
After attending Kingswood School, a Methodist boarding school near Bath, he went on to study history and fine art and architecture at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. He then completed postgraduate studies at the College of Librarianship in Aberystwyth.
A Rich and Fulfilling Life
In 1970, he was appointed tutor librarian at St Albans School of Art, and the following year married Gill Terrill, whom he had met during his time in Aberystwyth. His life was characterised by diverse interests including:
- Music and choral singing
- Walking and gardening
- Conservation work
- Railways
In all aspects of his life, he sought – and often found – glimpses of heaven on earth. He viewed love, friendship, peace and beauty as tangible evidence of the world as it might be "if we choose to cherish it."
Family and Legacy
As a husband and father, he worked diligently to create a loving home, infusing daily life with curiosity, creativity and intention – always with Gill's support and collaboration. He cherished domestic life, seeing the role of home-maker as equal to that of artist.
He is survived by his wife Gill, their two sons Daniel and the author of this tribute, his grandson Hallam, and his brother Arnold. Philip Pacey's legacy extends beyond his professional contributions to art librarianship, encompassing his poetic vision and his belief in creating beauty in everyday life.
