The world of libraries and poetry has lost a significant figure with the passing of Philip Pacey, who has died at the age of 79. A dedicated librarian, influential editor and published poet, Pacey's multifaceted career and creative life left a lasting mark on cultural institutions and literary circles alike.
A Pioneering Career in Art Librarianship
From 1975 until his retirement in 2007, Philip Pacey served as an art librarian at Preston Polytechnic, which later became the University of Central Lancashire. He entered the profession during a formative period when art librarianship was establishing itself as a distinct specialism within the library field.
Phil Pacey quickly became a central figure in this emerging discipline. He took on the role of founding editor for the journal of the Art Libraries Society (ARLIS) and edited the influential Art Library Manual in 1977, a reference work that remains valued by professionals today. His leadership extended to serving as chair of ARLIS, helping to guide the organisation during its developmental years.
International Connections and Historic Moments
Pacey became a regular participant in conferences of the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA). His attendance at the 1991 meeting in Moscow coincided with one of the most dramatic political events of the late 20th century. Delegates had barely gathered when the August coup attempt against Mikhail Gorbachev disrupted the city.
In a remarkable show of solidarity with their Soviet colleagues, the conference continued despite the surrounding turmoil. Phil, along with approximately 1,500 other delegates, returned home with extraordinary memories of that historic moment and a renewed sense of hope for international cooperation and understanding.
A Lifelong Poetic Voice
Throughout his life, Philip Pacey maintained a parallel career as a poet, viewing poetry as "a tool of living, a means of thinking, of sharing, of remembering, of celebrating" – an accessible art form that anyone could practice. His literary friendships included connections with writers Jeremy Hooker and BS Johnson, relationships that nurtured his creative development.
His poetic achievements were formally recognised with significant awards. He won the Pernod National Young Poets prize in 1971 and received a Gregory award in 1983. More recently, an anthology of his work titled Falling Into Place was published in 2022, ensuring his poetic voice reached new audiences.
Early Life and Education
Born in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, Philip was the youngest of three children. His parents, Leslie Pacey, a Methodist minister, and Mildred (née Button), had met in China where Leslie served as a missionary and Mildred worked as a nurse and midwife.
After attending Kingswood School, a Methodist boarding school near Bath, Phil pursued higher education at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. There he studied history alongside fine art and architecture. He subsequently completed postgraduate studies at the College of Librarianship in Aberystwyth, laying the foundation for his library career.
A Rich and Varied Personal Life
In 1970, Philip Pacey was appointed tutor librarian at St Albans School of Art. The following year he married Gill Terrill, whom he had met during his time in Aberystwyth. Together they built a life filled with diverse interests and shared values.
Phil's life overflowed with engagement in music, choral singing, walking, gardening, conservation work and railways. In all these pursuits, he actively sought – and frequently found – what he described as "glimpses of heaven on earth." He perceived love, friendship, peace and beauty as tangible evidence of how the world could be "if we choose to cherish it."
Creating a Loving Home
As a husband and father, Philip Pacey dedicated himself to creating a nurturing and loving home environment. He infused family life with curiosity, creativity and intention, always working in close partnership with his wife Gill. He cherished domestic life, viewing the role of home-maker as being of equal importance and creative potential to that of an artist.
Philip Pacey is survived by his wife Gill, their two sons Daniel and the author of this tribute, his grandson Hallam, and his brother Arnold. His legacy lives on through his contributions to art librarianship, his published poetry, and the loving family he helped create and sustain.
