George Melly (1926-2007) was born in Liverpool and educated at Stowe School. He was called up in 1944, where he joined the navy, primarily on account of his preferring the uniform to those of the other services. After the war, he established himself variously as a critic, surrealist, jazz musician, writer and raconteur, all to great success. The world is a little less colourful without him.

George Melly (1926-2007) was born in Liverpool and educated at Stowe School. He was called up in 1944, where he joined the navy, primarily on account of his preferring the uniform to those of the other services. After the war, he established himself variously as a critic, surrealist, jazz musician, writer and raconteur, all to great success. The world is a little less colourful without him.

George Melly (1926-2007) was born in Liverpool and educated at Stowe School. He was called up in 1944, where he joined the navy, primarily on account of his preferring the uniform to those of the other services. After the war, he established himself variously as a critic, surrealist, jazz musician, writer and raconteur, all to great success. The world is a little less colourful without him.