Roberts, Will
The first time I photographed Will, was in 1990 in his studio above the now closed clock repair shop, and again in 1998 in a bedroom studio at his home in Bilton Road, Neath. Recovering from a recent stroke he was drawing self portraits. The last time that I saw Will, he was celebrating his golden wedding. Will had given 600 drawings to the National Library, and in the book they published to commemorate, his generosity, were the portraits and the golden wedding pictures.
I asked Will the same question about which six artists I should record for posterity. Top of his list was John Petts, the wood engraver and stained-glass artist. See him soon, said Will, so I went off to Abergavenny where John Petts had moved to the old workhouse. Little did I know at the time but John died twelve months later.
Images: Bernard Mitchell