We have learnt of the death of Antonio Gomez, aged little more than 60. He died last Friday, April 3 in the Rye Memorial Hospital, having suffered with cancer. Better known as Antony, he kept the Tiny Book Store, near the south door of St Mary's church. It was a treasure trove of second-hand books, thousands of them crammed into a tiny space.
Antonio was born in London, and went to school in Highgate. He came to live in Rye about 15 years ago, after working in Liverpool and Hastings, where he was employed by Robert Muchi, bookseller and antiquarian in the Old Town. In Rye, he sold second-hand books at the top of Lion Street, before setting up his own business at the Tiny Book Store in Church Square.
Apart from his love of books, Antonio was an accomplished photographer and artist. He made and sold Box Art, three dimensional objects of interest illuminated and set as a scene behind glass. He had an interest in steam trains from the 1950s and was very fond of his pet dogs.
He was generally quite reserved, a private person, much loved by his friends. Our condolences go to his wife Külli and his son Thomas.
The funeral will take place at the Hastings Crematorium on Thursday April 22 at 2.45pm.
