Wednesday writer would like to present Anthony Stancomb
Please tell us a bit about you.
Trained at Wellington College, St Andrews University and the London Film School, I first worked in feature films and political documentaries – which led to set up an air transport operation in Private Mercy in Biafra. But after being killed and needed a job, I joined the BBC Television business department. I then moved to ITV where for several years I produced social problems and art programs.
In the middle of the thirties, I left to create a business that has promoted and sold British contemporary art to galleries around the world, and created a global distribution network which, at the end, was spinning more than 10 million pounds sterling.
After twenty years, discovering the island of Vis and realizing that leading a commercial company was not what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, I sold the company to my main American rival and I moved to the island.
Ivana, my wife, is the winner of the prize for the woman of the year in 2000 and is the granddaughter of the Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic. With two children who now live in London, we now divide our time between Croatia and London.
Do you have any advice for visitors, Croatia? Do you have to see places, things to do or eat?
Dragging in the seafront, and you will see life occur – the bustle of daily life, the happiness of children playing, the arguments between families at war, lovers in their own worlds, fishermen unloading their captures, harassment bargaining between merchants, daily series ……
You have to hire a boat to go around the coves and beaches and the restaurants of hidden fishermen. Where you can eat swimming and lying in the sun.
The best food is grilled fish and lamb, and they do wonderful things with octopus and calmars!
What is your favorite place and why?
The island of Vis where I live now. Living in a turmoil from the world now gives me great happiness.
How many countries have you visited?
About 30
If you could describe your travel method in a word, what would it be?
Travel on a small boat.
What is your essential travel accessory?
A lonely planet guide for wherever I am.
What is your most memorable travel moment?
Leaving the Gare du Nord in a teeming street at the age of 19, and realizing that the city was there for me to discover.
What is your dream destination?
Palmyra, before destroying it entirely
Do you have future trips? If so, where?
Serbia and Albania
How did travel changed you?
I am more open to the vision of others on the world.
Your book is called centers around your move to Vis, a small island off the coast of Croatia, what made you want to move?
The relaxed lifestyle and indescribable beauty (although I try to describe it in my books), but also occupied daily life and the company of friends and neighbors
How long did your book come true?
One year to write, two years to rewrite (with the help of the agent) and wait for him to find an editor.
Do you have new books on the horizon?
Yes, a travel thesis on our four surrounding Balkan countries.
What is your favorite travel book?
William Dalrymple – City of Djinns
What is your favorite travel quote?
“I hope the trip is long, full of adventure, full of discovery.” ~ CP Cavafy
Thanks to Anthony Stancomb for sharing his story with us and if you want to buy his book notes from a very small island, check it here.
