Bruce Lacey (1927-2018) was a British actor, filmmaker, and performance artist who was known for his eccentric, often surreal, and often humorous performances. He was a key figure of the avant-garde scene in Britain during the 1960s and '70s.
Born in 1927 in London, Lacey was interested in art from a young age. He studied at the Central School of Art and Design in London, where he developed an interest in performance art. After graduating, he worked as a sculptor, creating surreal and often humorous sculptures.
In the late 1950s, Lacey began to explore performance art in earnest. He was a founding member of the British avant-garde performance group, the Bruce Lacey Experiments. The group performed in various underground venues, often for small audiences. Their performances often involved the use of props and costumes, and were highly improvisational.
Lacey's first film appearance was in the 1960 film, The Bed Sitting Room. He went on to appear in other films, and also made several of his own films. He was a founding member of the London Film-Makers' Co-operative, and was involved in several of their projects.
In the 1970s, Lacey started to explore television, appearing on The Goodies, Saturday Night Live, and other shows. He also appeared in various television commercials.
In the 1980s, Lacey turned to the theatre. He wrote and performed in several plays, and also developed a one-man show. He was a regular performer at the Edinburgh Festival, and performed in Europe, North America, and Australia.
In later years, Lacey continued to perform and create films. He received several awards for his work, including a BAFTA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. He also wrote several books, including Bruce Lacey: Performance, Machines and Magical Things.
Lacey died in 2018 at the age of 91. He was remembered as an innovative and influential artist who helped to shape the avant-garde scene in Britain. He was also remembered for his wit and eccentricity, and for his unique and often surreal performances. He was a highly respected and beloved figure in the world of art and performance.
