"We are incredibly honoured to dedicate Pugin After Dark to the memory
of Michael Fisher and thank his family for their kind support."
Michael Fisher was an authority on AWN Pugin and an author whose books have not only inspired me to write my own but have also given me the courage to follow the path on which I am now on.
I discovered Michael’s work through my first of many visits to Alton Towers in the late 90s. At that time you could freely wander around and explore the ruins of the towers and as I roamed room to room I was curious to know what had happed to this place. Still grand despite its condition I wanted to know, see and imagine what it was once like inside. Thankfully a purchase from the gift shop on a subsequent visit had all the answers in the form of Michael’s book, A Gothic wonderland. From reading his book my love of Gothic architecture grew and I was also introduced to the wonderful world and work of AWN Pugin.
In 1998 Michael Fisher was commissioned to carry out the first ever architectural and historical survey of the towers building and this was on which his book A Gothic Wonderland was based.
​Michael had a long affiliation and affection for the Towers, going back to his childhood. Born in Leek in 1943, Michael spent many happy days as a boy exploring the towers and village of Alton.
"I remember going fishing with my father in the lake opposite the Towers in the 1950s, before there were any theme park attractions, and when everything was still and quiet. I was drawn more by the view of the buildings over the water than by any thoughts of catching fish." - A Gothic Wonderland, Michael Fisher
Michael had a beautiful way of writing about architecture which made you feel that you were actually experiencing and fully immersed in the places he wrote about. Michael, however, was not only an exceptional writer; as he would also later become my mentor and friend.
Although I only knew Michael for a relatively short time, with COVID tragically putting paid to our plans to meet in person, I shall be forever thankful for the time and support I did have. His passion for the Tower’s and Pugin’s work continues to inspire me and no doubt without Michael’s influence I would not be doing what I do today and Pugin After Dark would not exist.
It is therefore an incredible honour for us to dedicate Pugin After Dark to Michael’s memory and continue to share the joy and beauty of AWN Pugin’s work that he was always so very passionate about.
Louie Young