My friend and a friend of Zambian art and artists
Andy Anderson, a very kind and good friend died recently. I remember him with great affection and gratitude. He was not only a personal friend but a committed supporter of art in Zambia. As an architect, he had a love of design and the visual arts as anyone who visited his beautiful home at Buckridge could see. At his memorial service, I found myself wondering if any of the younger artists in Zambia’s vibrant arts community know about his significant contribution to Zambian art. You can find the memorial service for Andy on Facebook here.
Andy’s passion for the arts
Andy loved to entertain and have parties. Whenever I visited his home he would have some newly acquired painting or artwork to show me.
‘Come and see what I’ve just bought.’ he would say, ‘Come and look at where I’ve put the painting I bought from Mpapa Gallery. What do you think?’
Andy had a whole-hearted commitment to Zambia and he was the kind of person who did not stint himself when he set out to help anyone. At the same time as he was a generous person and a host, he was also modest and never sought acknowledgement for what he did to help other people.
Anecdotes about Andy
Andy ran marathons and organised charitable events around them. It was typical of Andy that he ran so hard and fast that on one occasion he almost died of heatstroke. Fortunately, two doctors were running the marathon with him and saved his life. That was how Andy lived his life – to the full! He had many projects.
Dancing and Acting
Andy was also a wonderful dancer. He could sweep you off your feet but never off-balance. Caroline, Andy’s first wife is also a remarkable person. In the dim and distant past at a tricky time in Zambia, Andy was arrested and put in prison for 48 hours. I can’t remember why or if there was even a good reason. What I do remember was that it was the opening night of The Maids by Jean Genet at the TAZ festival at the Lusaka Playhouse and courageous Caroline decided the play must go on. She was one of the stars. In the Anderson tradition, Caroline also stepped in and ran the Mpapa Gallery for a while after 1994.
Mpapa Gallery and the Art Trust
Mpapa Gallery was set up with the intention that one day it would be Zambian run and Zambian owned. At that time it functioned because all of its four directors, Joan Pilcher, Cynthia Zukas, Patrick Mweemba and myself, gave their time for free. Mpapa Gallery wanted to find funding for a salary for a Zambian manager. It was Andy Anderson who stepped in, gave support and organised business lunches at his expense to see if financial backing could be found. Sadly Mpapa Gallery was forced to close and Zambian artists were left for many years without that essential support and working connection to a viable art market.
The Henry Tayali Centre
It must not be forgotten that Andy was one of the organisers of the Lusaka Agricultural Show Society committee as was Sally Dean. This committee made a point of encouraging art exhibitions during the Show. Because of them both, Mpapa Gallery was able to have sculpture workshops in what is now the Henry Tayali Centre and this set the precedent for the existence and support for the Henry Tayali Centre. As ever Andy Anderson was proactive in supporting Zambia and Zambian artists.
Eagles Rest and the Mbile International Artists Workshop
Andy Anderson’s most valuable contribution to Zambian art was in providing for free the venue for the first few Mbile Workshops at Eagles Rest Chalets, Siavonga on Lake Kariba. The concept for these Triangle workshops was to empower Zambian artists to work together with artists from Africa and the world so that they could experiment and develop their art to the full. Art materials, transport, and food were free. Thanks to Andy the workshop accommodation was in comfortable and convenient chalets with running water and wide verandahs to work on in a stunningly beautiful location.
An enduring legacy
There is no doubt in my mind that the Mbile Workshops mark a significant moment in the development of the visual arts in Zambia. They initiated both the creative pride and independent thought of Zambian artists that is so evident today. Andy Anderson’s generosity and love of Zambia and Zambian art have made a lasting contribution to its success even though few people today are aware of that. You can see by the random photos I have selected the importance of the workshops at Eagles Rest.
As was said at his memorial by Anthony Chatta – ‘the value of a man lies in what he gives not in what he takes.’ – that was so true of Andy!
10 Comments on “Andy Anderson”
It’s very sad to hear, I am from Holland, we lived in Zambia from 2000 till 2013.I was the nanny to William Ros, and Hemisch James from 2002 till 2004.Andy was a very nice man. Not an easy time for him in that period. He was a very kind man. I have been trying to find his sons. I believe they still live in England. I hope that they still had good contact with Dad.
Dear Martine.
You obviously have fond memories of Andy who as you say was a very kind man. You also had close connections with the family and those are important. I can’t give you any personal details for contacts on this page but you can email me privately if you wish. I think you may also find that through my article you may be able to make the contacts you wish for if you go to the video of the funeral. With best wishes. Ruth
Hi Ruth
So sorry to read of the death of Andy, it is remiss of me not to have noted this earlier. I worked with Andy for a few years in the 1980’s and still have copies of the plans for his house which I completed for him at the time.
40 years later we will be back in Lusaka for a few days and it will be interesting to see how things have changed.
We have fond memories of our time in Lusaka even when at times it was quite challenging.
Best wishes Peter and Brenda Smith
Hi Peter,
I won’t leave this reply to you here very long. I tried to email you to keep my response private but failed – this is what I wanted to send to you.
You will need sat nav to know where you are in Lusaka – so much has changed – it is unrecognisable. Smart phone maps are good but there thousand more roads. Have you got personal contacts with old friends? So many have gone. Leopards Hill is built up there are malls everywhere.
I imagine that you may have known Simon Zukas too? Given Andy’s interest in art perhaps you have that interest too? You can visit the Lechwe Trust Gallery founded by Cynthia Zukas, Simon’s widow. Find it online. Caroline Anderson was very ill earlier in the year, but I think may still live in Andy’s house with either their son or daughter?
You may well want a sentimental journey of the old CBD Cha Cha Cha road and Freedom Way. It is interesting. Taxis are worth using if you get a good team. Longacres still has a lovely shop where Bente Lorenz’s ceramic Studio used to be. Tragically Charlotte Lorenz died last year but her brother is still there.
I daresay you are well warned about the power outages so solar batteries and lights are essential.
Enjoy yourself – Zambians are kind and charming.
All the best
Ruth
Hi Ruth
Thank you so much for your prompt reply and insight into todays Lusaka.
We used to live in one of Andy’s units in Sable Road
We are not sure of any current contacts and a recommendation on a hotel would be appreciated. Maybe the Intercontinental would be best.?
Regards Peter and Brenda
Hi Peter,
I asked my daughter-in-law who has bosses who need good accommodation sometimes. She says the Intercon is good but that staying at private villas can be the best and she will try and get some addresses to me tomorrow. She is working tonight on a business trip. Andy’s daughter-in-law is on FB under his surname.
Many thanks it would be good to have some ioptionson where to stay. It is only for a few days then livingstone and the falls.
Kind regards.
Peter
Hi Peter,
You may remember that the Zambian side of the falls is almost dry this time of year and more so this year because of the drought. You’ll need to cross into Zimbabwe to see the Zambezi.
Do you remember Andrew Sardanis whose place was designed by Wally Dobkins. It is worth a visit – restaurant and big art collection. You can find it online under Chaminuka.
There’s a little museum in Livingstone called the Gateway Jewish Museum at the station I think and elephants and wild life there too.
Ruth
Hi Peter
I’ve got some info but a bit reluctant to put in here as I don’t want to be thought to advertise when this is a public site. I’ve tried without success to email you. This is what I am told by two different people
Pamodzi is still thought of as one of the best and it has solar back up as do most of the hotels. Cresta Golf View is very nice though as it has big gardens, game roaming around and a nice pool plus it has chalets. Very exclusive would be Latitude 15 in Kabulonga, or even some of the lodges on leopards hill
Also – Latitude 15 (boutique ) or the Urban Leopards Hill side of town. Southern Sun Ridgeway (and historic) is popular and Protea Lusaka Towers and Cargo88 near East Park which is the big shopping mall in Lusaka. So good luck!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2585177111576712/posts/8648700111891018/
this tells you about the Mosi-Oa-Tunya