1 Priest End Thame
This painting was presented to Mr Morley Alexander Slade when he retired as manager of Lloyds Bank, 13-14 Cornmarket, Thame in 1966. Mr Slade, usually known as Alec, was appointed manager in 1955 and with his wife Madge, and children Morley and Ruth, moved into the bank house,
On his retirement, the painting was given to him by members of his staff, as it was his favourite house in Thame. The artist is local but the signature is unfortunately illegible. On the back of the picture is a hand-written dedication with a typed transcription.
His daughter Ruth recalls living in the bank as she grew up. In 1955, when they moved in,
“The banking hall was less than half the ground floor of the building and we lived in the rest, with a massive entrance hall, an imposing staircase, 6 bedrooms, an extra dressing room and 2 large reception rooms but a very basic kitchen, larder and coal hole and only one bathroom and toilet. My parents were definitely still in the ‘Grow for Victory’ camp and after much ground clearance and soil preparation, the remaining garden became an allotment but with flowers, shrubs and my father’s rose garden nearer the house.
As part of his remit as Manager of a country town bank, my father inherited other responsibilities. He became treasurer of Thame Show and a governor of John Hampden school and treasurer of other groups. He was a member of the Badminton Club and a keen tennis player, winning the men’s doubles trophy several times with Ken Bailey at Thame Tennis Club. He was also a member of Thame Players, appearing in several productions in minor roles but mainly helping with assembling the stage when they performed either in the town hall or the Wenman School as they had no theatre at the time.”
Thame Show Day was a highlight of the year as the schools were closed for the day and Ruth and her friends were allowed to to spend the day on the showground, whilst Alec her father was in the Treasurer’s tent being very official. Lloyds Bank always sent the hospitality caravan with a steward who made sure the children we were well provided with squash and biscuits. The show was primarily agricultural, full of farmers showing their stock in the competition rings. There was also show jumping and competitions for pets, home-grown vegetables, baking, and flower arranging.
The painting can be found on the wall of the library
in the museum.
If anyone knew Alex Slade or recognises the painting we would love to hear from you.
