Vale Billy Wrencher ~ Photographer, director and an untamed spirit
(Billy judging a Northern Rivers Photographic Prize)
When the ‘Pommie Invasion’ was in full flight back in the 70s and 80s it wasn’t just the imported writers and art directors that were lifting the standard of creative work in Australia, it was the back-up troops they brought with them. Directors, producers, retouchers, illustrators, typographers and of course a group of high quality photographers. Billy Wrencher was one of that group. Billy and his producer Wife Ouida, made an excellent team – that together made their mark on advertising at the time.
Here is a short piece written by Billy’s long time friend and TV producer Ian Ford.
Billy was a real East London boy. He worked as a gravedigger and then made the logical transition to photography.
He got a job as David Bailey’s assistant, which apart from being excellent training was an eye opener on life. He moved on to assist Tony May where we worked together in Portland Mews, Soho when Soho was Soho, The barrow boys used to set up their stalls in the mews every morning, and the banter, colour and characters were an education in life. The Mews also became a popular agency football pitch. Billy was an excellent black and white printer in the days of dark rooms he transitioned from being Tony’s assistant to a photographer within his own right in Tony May’s studio.
Billy loved a bit of mischief. Another assistant used to come into the studio every day with his beautifully folded umbrella. One day Billy filled the umbrella full of flour and folded up the umbrella immaculately. Apparently the assistant got to the busy bus stop and it started to rain. He opened up his brolly and the rest of the bus stop had a story that they’re probably still telling.
Billy and his family moved over to Sydney in the 80’s. He successfully blended into the Sydney photographic community and also started directing. Peter Cherry, who he had frequently worked with as an art director in London when he was at CDP, asked Billy to join his production company, Ibbetson Cherry.
He directed the well known ‘Pro Hart’ spot that Cam Blackley recently selected as one of his favourite TVCs. Whilst still directing and doing stills, he moved up to Byron about 20 years ago, setting up the acreage with coffee plants. Billy and Ouida wanted the kids to have somewhere to live and also keep the family together, and that is how it has turned out. Billy’s mantra was ‘don’t let the bastards grind you down’ and he was an untamed spirit till the end.
He died of cancer and is survived by his wife, Ouida, 2 sons, Charlie an artist and Luke an awarded builder and 6 grandchildren. A life well lived.
By Ian Ford, TV producer, long time friend, from Soho to Sydney
23 Comments
Back then AWARD was just kicking off. Things were changing. Everything was now being judged, the copy, the typography, the illustrations and of course the photography. Billy played his part, a great photographer and a great bloke, in the studio, on location and when we got a chance, in the bar for a few laughs. Miss those days and will miss the wonderful company of Billy.
A lovely, talented man. It was a real pleasure to work with Billy and Ouida and for our family to have their family as friends. He made every project – stills or TV – enjoyable, and would always go the extra mile to make it special. They don’t make ’em like Billy any more.
Billy.A life well lived.RIP Mate.
I met Billy and Ouida as a result of growing up with their talented and mischievous son Luke in Sydney.
Billy was a brilliant energy, an incredible husband, father , friend and artist. He was an inspiration to me as an emerging performer and then director in Sydney. One of those people who makes you feel that it all seems possible. His legacy is not only his 2 amazing sons and his 6 grandchildren but his capacity to inspire , invite and host great love and compassion in all he met. His indefatigable spirit lives on in his family and the wonderful property he Ouida and his family have created together.
A genuine, top bloke, RIP Billy.
One of the happiest times of my career was travelling the world for a month or so with Billy, Ouida and Luke shooting the Qantas RWC 2003 campaign. Making it up with no reccies, or much equipment, Billy’s amazing talent with light and direction produced some beautiful work.
His stories of life in the studio in the UK were just brilliant, and with the small team we had, client included, it became more like a working family holiday with Rugby players thrown in. So many wonderful memories.
Ouida, and Luka, we send all our love to you and Charlie and the family.
And Bill, RIP – we will never forget you.
Love Jo, Peta and George.
Authentic, humours,talented photographer & Director, RIP Billy.
Our dear friend Billy was taken from after fighting a long battle. We are so glad we got to spend so much time with him over the past 17 years. Our hearts go out to the lovely Ouida, Luke, Charley and their families, as well as Billy’s sisters Ann and Marilyn. We will miss you so much Billy. Forever in our hearts xxxx
Billy’s talent will always be remembered, as he will be.
Billy & I worked together constantly in the 1980s, becoming great friends both professionally & socially. Although for the bigger jobs we’d use film studios, eg the Pro Hart TVC for ‘Stainmaster Carpets’, we’d regularly work in his ‘home studio’ which was rather like a baronial hall & very wisely when they renovated, had wiring installed for loudspeakers on which music was played constantly! Lunch break always involved everyone sitting around a large table eating one of Ouida’s delicious creations & was rather like being in Italy!
Billy was tireless in his enthusiasm & was someone when necessary, could turn his hand to anything, which probably came about from his early days as a stills photographer.
One location shoot that comes to mind was for ‘Seaview Wine’ which we filmed on Mana Island in Fiji & despite nearly everyone including Billy going down with food poisoning, we got through it, Billy’s stamina being legendary!
David Nichols, took the words out of my mouth by describing Billy as a lovely, talented man & it’s hard for me to add to that! RIP my dear friend. Love From Roger
Billy’s enthusiasm, talent and his company will be hard to replace. I like Roger worked with Billy as one of his crew, worked might be the wrong word. It was always a pleasure. Love to you Ouida.
He is sadly missed
A lovely easygoing guy with such enthusiasm for photography. I worked as Billy’s assistant in the late 70’s in London and for a short time in Sydney. It was a wonderful and rewarding time. I learnt so much and was able to take the next step to being a photographer with all the skills and knowledge he passed on. All assignments were tackled with same energy and professionalism. He was more than my boss, he was my friend. We worked many long days together, and I can honestly say they were all enjoyable. His sense of humour and attitude to life was so refreshing. Sitting here now I can recall so many stories that make me smile. He will be missed by so many who knew and worked with him over the years. RIP Billy, you’ll be missed. Love Mark
So Fortunate to have called Billy (and Ouida) our friends, many a great meal, a million laughs and the odd glass of wine shared from Friday Hut Rd to Dunoon, Tintenbar and Federal and Lennox Head. In our hearts you will always be at our table.
Billy, you were the best and naughtiest big brother anyone could have wished for. We were so proud of your amazing talent as a photographer which gave you such a wonderful and varied life. However, I am most proud of the man you became and the love you gave to beautiful Ouida, the boys and all your family and friends.
You will be missed more than you would have ever imagined by everyone who’s life you touched.
Thank you Ian for such a beautiful tribute.
Billy, you fought such a valiant fight to stay with everyone you loved but RIP big brother, you earnt it.
We met Billy and Ouida professionally when they first arrived in Sydney as they chose our lab, Vision Graphics, as the place to process their precious film. Our friendship naturally followed and has continued to this day. Much has already been said in previous tributes to Billy and we endorse them all. He was a beautiful man throughout. Kind, generous, funny and mischievous. He loved his family so much and always spoke of them with such affection. We will miss him terribly and never forget him. Our love and heart felt sympathy goes out to Ouida, Charly, Luke and all the family. RIP, dear Billy
Not enough time in your generous home , always remembered and respected love to the family and my deepest condolences to Ouida .
Just heard this very sad news.
Apart from being neighbours of Billy and Ouida, I knew Billy when he worked for Tony May and when he was starting out on his own.
He was a lovely bloke and always a joy to work with, and sorely missed went he xx left for Oz.
Ouida and Billy provided me with beautiful art and friendship for over 35 years.
My family and I are grateful that we got to share epic moments together up to and including their plantation life in Bryon.
As Ian stated – A life well lived and now a powerhouse on the other side.
Much love Hedda, Ingrid, Bianca and Lanti
A delightful and very talented man. So sad.
We were simply devastated to learn that Billy had died. It felt as though the lights had gone out. He was certainly larger than life and such a good neighbour to us in Sydney.
He was full of fun and loved to party and he loved his family so much.
We are so much richer in our lives to have known him and send all our love to Ouida and family. He certainly has left behind a beautiful legacy.
We are still in shock at the news of Billy no longer being in this world. Billy and Ouida were neighbours in Countess Street Mosman and their children and ours shared so much together – growing up and diving into the pools that we had back then. Billy always had a smile on his face and a cheeky grin. He was so caring about others and helped us out when we went through an rough time. He was just such a fantastic man and so talented with everything he did. Kate and Dan were devastated to hear of this because he was such a part of their lives. We have so many happy memories of Billy and he is forever in our hearts. Love and condolences to Guida, Charlie and Luke and all of your family. Billy will always be a shining star beaming down on us. xxxooo
Dear Billy.
I knew him from his assistant days. I was Tony May’s 1st asst at the time. Billy used to come round to Portland Mews often with Ouida. We always had a laf.
I lent Billy and Ouida my one room bedsit in South Kensington one week-end on condition they looked after my Golden McKaw parrot.
The parrot apparently terrorised them whilst they were there. It wasn’t the weekend they hoped it was supposed to be!!.
When I left Tony May and started up my own studio, Billy took over and then the rest is history.
So so sad. I was shocked to hear what happened. God bless Billy. Derek
Sadness beyond words, my deepest sympathies go out to Ouida and family.
I remember Billy with much fondness, he gave me my first job as a photographers assistant back in the early 80’s London.
He also generously sponsored me to go out to Sydney to work with him there, for that I will always be truly grateful, both to Billy and Ouida for that amazing experience and adventure.
Billy was a good natured and easygoing boss, with the most mischievous and hilarious sense of humour , a wonderful teller of tall stories, we had some great laughs working together.
He was a very stylish and creative photographer & film maker , beautiful lighting, fantastic camera skills, and he had such attention to detail to his craft that his work was more than just stunning…..it was impressively brilliant.
Dear Billy thank you so much for the happy memories, you are missed.
Chris x.