Barbara and Philip Biography

Barbara and Philip Denny met and married during the Second World War when both were working as volunteers in the Kensington Fire Service. They were married for 55 years throughout which time they lived and worked in West Kensington.

Barbara Denny

Barbara Denny was a Historian, journalist and author. She was born and brought up in West Kensington and attended The Froebel School on the Talgarth Road before moving to Putney High School to complete her education. She worked for a number of years as a journalist at ‘The Kensington News’ before she was promoted to Editor of the paper. During the Second World War she was a Fire Fighter in the Kensington Area.

As a Historian, Barbara spent a great deal of time researching and writing a number of books including ‘The History of Kensington and Chelsea’ and ‘Notting Hill and Holland Park’ as well as ‘The Kings Bishops’ about bishops of London and their relationships with governments of the day. Barbara also wrote a biography of Frederick Froebel. Barbara died following a short illness in 1998.

Philip Denny

Philip Denny was the son of Court Denny and Alice Denny the renowned childrens illustrator. Alice worked for many years with George Lane producing illustrations for childrens Christmas Annuals published by Burn Brothers. Philips father owned and ran the family business importing and exporting fabrics. Philip worked as bookkeeper for the firm throughout his working life.

Philip had two older sisters, one of whom was Natalie Bevan the painter and ceramicist.
Philip was a voluntary fire fighter in the Kensington area and there he met and courted Barbara. They were a great team. Philip proof read all Barbara’s books and gave her great support throughout her life.

Philips found a way to channel both his creative skills and his love of the natural world. He designed and made table mats, trays and door panels using flowers which he and Barbara collected together. Philip then pressed and dried the flowers before fashioning them into the goods which he sold locally for many years.

Philip died peacefully at home in January 2009 at the grand old age of 98 yrs.

Barbara and Philip Denny

Barbara and Philip lived a simple life enjoying the countryside around them. They were passionate about their environment and the natural world and worked hard on these issues long before our politicians became interested in these matters.

They were well known figures in their local community and were always considerate and caring towards others. Both Barbara and Philip held senior positions on their Residents Association and were selfless in their commitment to improving the lives and conditions of the people and the area in which they lived.

Barbara and Philip supported and advised so many people during their lives and were always exceptionally generous with both their time and wisdom.

The Barbara and Philip Denny Charitable Trust has been set up to ensure that this remarkable couple will continue their positive contribution to the world by supporting the aspirations of others through links with selected appropriate charitable trusts.