Sculptor of devotion and dignity

On June 5 a very dear friend of mine. the world-famous sculptor Dr Arthur Fleischmann, celebrated his 80th birthday. Dr Fleischmann lives in a studio-type house in Maida Vale — 92 Carlton Hill, NW8 — with his wife Joy and his 15-year-old son Dominique.
I met him first in 1955, when I instructed his charming wife, received her into the Church and officiated at their wedding. Joy now cares for him with immense love and, may I say, patience.
After a few years as a medical doctor he became a sculptor 56 years ago. He lived in several European countries. A convert Jew, he emigrated, like so many others, to Australia and lived and worked for some years in Bali. He came to England in 1948.
Many churches, like St Peter's Priory in Hinckley, Leicestershire, the Church of the Sacred Heart, Horseferry Road, London, and St Aiden's in Acton arc fortunate to have his work executed in different media — stone, mosaics, wood, glass and perspex. He even has influenced the architect at times to provide the "right" background to his creations.
His work always emanates his deep sense of devotion and dignity. For many years I have been lucky to be a sort of sounding board for him to talk to and express his ideas while he would form them into concrete shapes.
One of his outstanding works, I think, is his bust of my father, Professor Paul Kahle. This is of what I would call his first period.
His second period — if I may divide him in this way — is seen in his experiments in modern material called acrylics of which the "Risen Christ" hanging in the Church of St Charles Borromeo, Ogle Street, West London, is to my mind a supreme example, apart from the somewhat controversial altar in perspex in the same church. Many of his fountains in acrylics stand in places all over the world and fill his studio and garden in all colours, shapes and sizes. In the past few years he has turned to working in precious metals — gold, silver, platinum etc — anilhe has produced the most beautiful sculptures in different combinations of material.
He is a most diffident and almost humble person when talking about his work and yet most enthusiastic when showing his creations. Like any real genius his only interest is his art— apart from his lovable wife Joy and son Dominique. (Fr) William Kahle Westminster Cathedral,
Clergy House, 42 Francis Street, London, SW I.