I have only just learnt that the prolific artist Val Biro passed away on the 4th July this year. It was a pleasure to meet up with him a couple of years ago at his studio in Bosham, West Sussex. Balint Stephen Biro was born on the 6th October 1921 in Budapest and studied at the Jaschnick School of Art before coming to the UK as war loomed. He continued to study at the Central School of Art in London from where he went on to painting numerous covers for PAN in the 1950’s
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Thank you for your stories which were read to me in the early grades of school by my teacher. So much did I love Gumdrop that 3 of your books were given to me one birthday as a gift.
Obsessed with cars even then, the obsession only grew and I only wish that I had your gift so that I too could use my passion to bring happiness to others (and help me survive).
I cannot believe that more than 40 years have passed since that first book was read to me, nor that in 2023 I learn that Gumdrop was real and that have passed.
You will be so pleased that your love of Gumdrop and bringing him to life in books, has ensured that he will be preserved forever. Just like my prized old car now sits in a museum, to ensure that it outlast me when the time comes.
Thank you for your gift,,, it will live forever, just like the real Gumdrop!
C……
HI, Thank you for the lovely comment but unfortunately it was not me that wrote the Gumdrop books. I posted after going to meet Val Biro at his home in Bosham and was going to visit him again when, sad to say, he died shortly before. I’m sure he would have been delighted to hear how he fostered your love of reading and his stories will live on and keep his memory alive. Tim PS I would love to know what your old car is and where it now resides?