13 Dec Anthony Linforth-Hall, THE boss
On 29 November 2018, Anthony Linforth-Hall gave me an hour of his time to answer a few questions. The man seemed tired and exhausted but still accepted to talk to me about the things he achieved throughout his life. From being his own boss to his passion, photography.
Anthony Linforth-Hall relaxing on his sofa after a long talk.
Photo by: Camille Buignet.
I met Anthony Linforth-Hall at his house, giving me an idea of the type of man he is. The living room was like a museum. Photographs taken by himself were hung up on the walls and piled up in the corner of the room.
I couldn’t express what my first impression of Anthony was. He was cold and quiet. But I felt like he would get really talkative when it comes to things he’s passionate about. And he did.
Anthony Linforth-Hall, known as ‘Tony’ Linforth-Hall, was born in 1946, right after the end of World War II. He grew up in London, and has always lived here. When I asked if he’d like to move to an other city, he looked at me like I was not making any sense. Tony really loves London.
The 60’s weren’t an appropriate time for studies, so he dropped off school when he was 17. He started working with a close friend of his in a messenger company. After telling me about this, he started laughing and explained that he only worked there for a few months, before he got fired.
He was “too pushy”, they said.
Anthony had to overcome the biggest obstacle of his career in 1976, when he and Ian Waters, his associate, decided to start their own business, in the advertising industry. Tony said “it was a bad time to start a business, especially in this industry”.
All along our talk, Tony kept stressing how important it was for him to be his own boss since he couldn’t bear being given orders. He described himself as “decisive and compassionate”, although one of his customers said:
“he was the rudest man I’ve ever met, but he’s really good at his job”.
His biggest inspiration in life would be the Duke of Wellington, since he was a military man, with a lot of modesty, and he was decisive. Just like Anthony himself, right? He speaks like a soldier, always ready to fight.
Anthony’s passion for photography and WWI made him travel all around the world. He took a series of photographs that he exhibited for the centenary of First World War. You must be wondering, what has he not done? I am still trying to find the answer.
“I couldn’t do this anymore, it is hard to start at the bottom and make a name, change everything, so I really have no regrets about my life … Apart from one. I wish I had learned Boogie Woogie when I could play the piano.”
