Bruce Lacey, Artist and Performer Known for Robots and Counterculture, Dies at 88

Bruce Lacey, an artist and performer with a diverse career spanning theatre, film, and community art, died on 22 February 2016 at age 88. Born in Southeast London, he graduated from the Royal College of Art in 1954, developing a slapstick and surreal style that aligned with counterculture movements. His work included touring with musical duo The Alberts in the 1950s, creating props for Spike Milligan and Peter Sellers, and performing shamanistic rituals. Lacey also appeared as George Harrison's gardener in the Beatles' 1965 film Help!. One of his self-built robots, Rosa Bosom (Radio Operated Simulated Actress Battery Or Standby Operated Machine), won the Alternative Miss World contest in 1985 and served as best man at his second wedding. In 2012, he experienced a resurgence with the BFI releasing a DVD titled The Lacey Rituals, featuring films by and about him, including a documentary by Jeremy Deller and Nick Abrahams. That same year, an exhibition at London's Camden Arts Centre, co-curated by Deller and titled The Bruce Lacey Experience, highlighted his multifaceted contributions.