Diminishing Links With Writer Orwell

On hearing the sad news of the death of Eric Sykes, it occurred to me that the human links with George Orwell are gradually diminishing as each day passes.

Sykes’ TV shows were always my favourites as a child. His brand of humour had a simplicity and innocence, but was still exceptionally funny. He was born in 1923, and started writing for the BBC in 1948, two years before the death of George Orwell. It is possible therefore, that Orwell might have been aware of Sykes’ existence, particularly as they shared the same name (Orwell’s real name was Eric Blair). It’s a slim chance, I agree, but you never know. Orwell is renowned for his dry sense of humour, and would probably have appreciated Eric Sykes’ gentle, intelligent writing style. Orwell, too, worked for the BBC during the war, and had many friends there.

Whatever the case, Eric’s passing is just one less link with Orwell’s lifetime. How sad that is!