https://www.artculturetourism.co.uk/post/clarence-bicknell-the-victorian-polymath-and-nottingham
My article (link above) about Clarence for Art Culture Tourism, Marysia Zipser’s Nottingham-oriented blog has had some very positive response, thank you.
Marianne Coxon writes:
A fascinating account of a truly gifted and passionate man , Clarence Bicknell, by his great grand nephew Marcus Bicknell. Marcus’s account truly brings his ancestor to life – his wide spread interests, his intellect, his compassion for humanity and his talents, of which there are many. From Clarence’s careful recordings of prehistoric rock engravings from the Italian Alps to his wonderfully lifelike water colours of flowers from Bordighera, he pays tribute to his subject with his careful representation of the flora and early art of humankind. In everything that Clarence touched beauty, wonder and passion came forth. His enthusiasm for Esperanto was grounded in a desire for unity, peace and understanding throughout the nations of the world using a common language Esperanto. Thank you Marcus for educating me about this amazing man.
I replied “Thank you Marianne. You positive response and others like it are the reason I enjoy working on Clarence’s case. He is a bit of history and culture which people like to discover for themselves. One day he will be well known in the UK and worldwide and his art everywhere. I’m so glad you enjoyed finding out about him.”
Patrizia Poggi writes:
A Moving and Illuminating tribute to an Ahead-of-his-time “Citizen Scientist”
First and foremost, a sincere appreciation to Marcus Bicknell for this extraordinarily rich and evocative article. The depth of historical research is combined with a compelling narrative that succeeds in conveying not just the facts, but the very soul of Clarence Bicknell, presenting him to us in all his complex humanity.
The connection with Nottingham emerges not as a simple academic link, but as a living legacy that continues to inspire new generations of researchers. It is significant how his principles, the multidisciplinary approach, the attention to the local territory, the connection between art and science have become contemporary research methodologies at the Universities of Nottingham and Genoa.
Bicknell’s spiritual evolution is particularly touching: from his Anglican ministry in the London slums to the crisis of faith that led him to Bordighera, and finally to his embrace of Esperanto as a new universal “religion.” His disappointment with institutional churches (“they do more harm than good”) reflects the liberal progressive thinking of the era, but with a rare consistency.
The twin passion for botany and rock engravings was not contradictory, but complementary: both were expressions of the same desire to catalogue, understand, and celebrate nature. His playful approach, from botanical games to floral fantasies, demonstrates how scientific rigor and creativity can coexist.
Clarence Bicknell embodies a rare figure: the polymath who united different fields of knowledge without narrow specialisms, the humanist who put learning at the service of the community, the traveller who found in Liguria not just a landscape to study, but a chosen homeland to love.
He is a character who certainly deserves the rediscovery that Nottingham and Genoa are promoting, and this article contributes significantly to his re-evaluation, thanks to the precious work of Marcus Bicknell in keeping the memory of his illustrious ancestor alive. A special thank you goes to Marysia Zipser and her esteemed blog Art Culture Tourism International, which effectively fulfills its mission of promoting culture by skillfully intertwining dissemination and tourism.
I replied similarly…
Dear Patrizia. What a fascinating comment. Yes, you have grasped so well the character of the man, in particular “His playful approach, from botanical games to floral fantasies, demonstrates how scientific rigor and creativity can coexist.” I think I must have some of those genes because I have ranged from managing Genesis to launching Europe’s most successful television satellite system, ASTRA, the one that carries Sky, BBC, ITV etc through Sky boxes. Clarence would have done similar 100 years later. I was wondering whether you viewed the film about him on the home page of his web-site. Have a look in English or Italian version and please let me know what you think. marcus@bicknell.com. Marysia and I are campaigning (there is not other word) for an exhibition and conference on Clarence’s art and Nottingham-related issues in 2026. We have not yet got the buy-in from decision-makers we need so if you have any good contacts do ask Marysia if you can help in any way. I look forward to meeting you in Nottingham when I’m there
Well done Marysia and friends. Clarence thanks you.