Peter Fenemore (OW 1952)

(5 January 1935 – 24 September 2020)

Obituary kindly contributed by Peter’s son Steve.

The son of two Blackwell’s employees, Peter Fenemore enjoyed his school days at MCS, where he acquired a love of books and reading. He was also a chorister and member of the MCS Combined Cadet Force until 1951 when he completed his Certificate ”A”. He enjoyed both cricket and rugby, and would recount with joy that in the harsh winters when the sports pitches flooded and then froze, the boys would skate on the Cherwell. Having completed his O Levels in 1952, he left school and began work with Blackwell’s in the Antiquarian book department in Ship Street. National Service saw him join the Royal Artillery where he was posted on active service to Cyprus during the Cyprus Emergency. He rejoined Blackwell’s where he spent his entire working career as an antiquarian bookseller, progressing to manage the Rare Books division and oversee their move to Fyfield Manor. He was an expert in his field, dealing with the world’s foremost libraries and private collectors which saw him travel extensively in the USA. He said he enjoyed every minute of his working life, and on retirement he moved to St. Breward in Cornwall spending his time walking and learning photography.

He retained his love of books and choral music right up until his death of old age on September 24th 2020 aged 85. He is survived by his wife, two children and four grandchildren.