Iowa lost a big arts supporter

By Thomas Johnson

---

On Oct. 10, Eastern Iowans were saddened by the news of the death of Richard Gerald Lyon-Dalberg-Acton, 4th Baron Acton, and Life Peer in The British House of Lords. However, his high office and many titles are not what made him so remarkable and such a valuable asset to our region of Iowa.

Richard married his wife, Pat, a Cedar Rapids native, in 1988. From then on, he divided his time between London and Cedar Rapids. But, to say that he simply spent time in Iowa would be an injustice to his memory. Richard obviously fell in love with our state and participated fully and enthusiastically in many aspects of Iowa cultural life.

He was an accomplished author with several books to his credit, including the delightful “A Brit Among the Hawkeyes.” He and his wife collaborated on important works about Iowa legal history. His love of the arts prompted him to serve on non-profit boards and give generously of his time and money. Perhaps the most important gift he gave was his attendance. During his “Iowa months” each year, one was likely to see Richard at nearly every professional theater, music and arts event in the area.

I first met him many years ago after a performance at The Old Creamery Theatre in Garrison where I served as producing director. With no introductions, we just began to talk. It was obvious that he was a special friend of the arts and had an intense interest in all things Iowa.

For several seasons, he continued to attend The Creamery performances. It was not long before he was invited and consented to serve on the theater's board. One might suspect he was asked to serve as a “letter head” board member, to lend his name and title, but not actually do anything. Nothing could be further from the truth. His insight, reasoning, enthusiasm and attendance at almost every production combined to make him one of the most effective board members I have worked with in my 40-plus years in professional theater.

Richard purchased an engraved paver for the outdoor courtyard of The Old Creamery Theatre in Amana, as part of a fundraising event. The engraver made a typo and the finished stone came back with “Lord Action.” Needless to say, a corrected paver was quickly installed, and Richard, in all good humor, took the misspelled paver home to place in his garden.

Error or not, the words “Lord Action” truly described the man. Richard was a man of action who loved Iowa, its people, and its culture. He helped make Iowa a better place for all of us.

Thomas P. Johnson of South Amana was a founding member of The Old Creamery Theatre and is currently co-producer of The Iowa Theatre Artists Company in Amana. Comments: itac@southslope.net