[78-L] Memories of Brian Rust

[RUSSELL BARNES]

My initial and brief contact with Brian was around 1951 when he was living near Pinner and me in neighbouring Ruislip, Middlesex.   Subsequently, in 1960, he invited a friend and me (both then residing in Dorset) to visit and tour Broadcasting House, in Portland Place, London.   Brian, by that time, was a respected staff member in the vast BBC Gramophone Record Library.
 
It truly was a fascinating day rounded off when Brian unassumingly produced, from a record carrying case, some of his treasured Jazz 78’s.   Breathtaking rarities by Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver and Bix on Company labels one only read about in specialist publications. 
 
His reminiscences of times visiting the USA and virtually ‘cold calling’ on houses enquiring if they had jazz records which he could buy.  How the crew of a Police Patrol Car stopped him and enquired what he was doing to find it both incredulous - and amusing - that an Englishman would merrily pursue a hobby to such lengths.  
 
I gather they quietly advised him that such an activity in that particular neighbourhood was probably unwise and offered to drive him out of harm's way.
 
The years flew and Brian retired from his years with the BBC and, along with his records and continuing research projects, moved down here to Dorset settling in an appealing sea-side holiday town among the Purbeck hills.   
 
It’s been quite a while since I’ve seen or spoken to him.  Some six months, or more ago, his wife explained Brian’s failing eyesight was becoming serious and that, along with the problems of old-age, it was best considered if he moved to a nearby rest home.
 
Brian Rust truly was a remarkable man.
 
Russ Barnes
Dorset, UK