'Jake the Fake' was an artist, an opera singer, a musician and a cabinet maker (so good that his replicas were often mistaken for the real deal!). He came to Camden Town, London in the 1960’s with a case full of dreams. He loved to live in the moment without consequence and his motto was "vivere sul filo del rasoio". He was a self confessed hedonist, but he was also my uncle. He took me under his (somewhat broken) wing when I arrived in London, fresh off the boat.
His flat was a treasure trove of interesting bits and a nod to a life of an interesting gentleman, albeit one who was a bit rough round the edges. I watched Jake’s life deteriorate, but his defiance was impressive. He tried sobriety many times, but it wasn’t for him.
