I just heard of Julians passing. So very sad, what a strong , positive impact Julian had on so many people. A legend and an absolute genius. We go back 30 years from the remainder days, we had so much fun working the deals, he seemed to hypnotize you into the deal he needed, such an amazing character. RIP my friend Andrew Cantor

I just learned today of Julian's untimely passing. Julian's kindness, decency and his extremely tough negotiation skills brought out the best in all of us at Geddes and Grosset. Julian's support was crucial to us and he was a man of honour. His urgings on price and product always pushed us further than we'd envisaged but always made us the better for it. Getting the OK from Julian meant you'd achieved something real. On a personal level, I always looked forward to visiting his office as we'd talk about a million things, all of which he was well-versed in. He certainly was a teacher and everything he said interested me. A great communicator. I dropped him a note last year and he graciously replied, remembering some laughs we'd had. We had so many. I dropped him that note because I missed him. I'll think of him often I'm sure. I will remember his laughter. Julian was one of the big influences on my career and on my life. I'm very proud to have known him. God Bless. Bob Smith

Julian was a truly kind and caring gentlemen, and I consider myself extremely fortunate to have known such an incredible man. Whether he was teaching me all sorts of pearls of wisdom, being my badminton doubles partner or cooking delicious meals, he always welcomed me with open arms into his family home, and for that I am extremely lucky and grateful. You will be truly missed, but I cherish all the amazing memories and hold them dearly in my heart x

He is professional, approachable, witty, knowledgable & wise .. a true gentlement .. the list goes on .. It's been my privilege to work with him and alongside him over the past 10 years. His depth of knowledge of Chinese Antiquities makes my mind boggle! I had the privilege of seeing a genius at work during our Chinese Antiques Hunting Trip in China (GuangZhou) few years back. In one occasion, we spent 2 hours facing a Chinese Seller sitting at a table with a cup of Chinese tea and very few words exchanged, Julian managed to get a much desired piece at the price he wanted and it wasn't easy and takes negotiating skills - taken 2 hours! The Chinese Seller said to me afterwards: "your friend is a genius..!". Julian seems to know more about that piece than the Chinese Seller. Julian was cool with few words, knew what he wanted, understood the piece, knew where he stood, never gave up, came accross sincere and he was "likeable" by the Chinese Sellers. (Note Julian doesn't speak a word of Chinese and I couldn't say much as I was only an observer!) He is normally cool about things and seldom show his excitment, so it was a joy to hear him say "I am salivating over that piece". A happy time I treasure. Through many hours of discussing business ideas and sharing of real-world retail experiences, I have gain invaluable "real-world" knowkledge of the Retail Trades ... some insights and glimpses of the master at work ... My "SiFu" in Retail and Chinese Antiques ..... he will be truely missed. RIP Julian Tony Mo

I was deeply saddened to hear about Julian’s untimely passing. I dealt with him for over 26 years. From the first time I met him back in 1994 we hit it off instantly. I remember all the journeys up and down the M6 from Manchester two or three times a week to the his office on Gate Lane with exciting new clearance deals. For such a softly spoken gentlemen he was a fierce negotiator. We would spend hours on end haggling over literally pennies, always with the same result… he would win! But above all else he was a truly decent human being, extremely honourable and a true gentle man. I really hope he will be wheeling and dealing with the Angels. I send my sincere condolences to Gig and Charlie. RIP Julian you will be sorely missed. Best wishes Elliot Basso Brennan Atkinson

Literally one of a kind, a true true gentleman, who saw the best in everybody, so knowledgable and an absolute mind of information, yet took such pleasure out of just doing the simplest of things in life. Julian, you set the benchmark to which only the rest of us can only aspire to! Chris Maddox & Jeanette Ashley

Julian was the best friend I made in half a century as an antique dealer.His taste was the best and his knowledge the deepest, he enriched my life immeasurably and will live within me always. Brian Moston-Dunbar 3/12/2020.

Julian you will be sadly missed. I thank you for my long career at The Works spanning on and off over 2 decades. Although you didn't offer me the job first time round back in 'Gate Lane' in the 1990s, as you was worried that you would take me out of a very structured business, to what I learnt was a very dynamic, fun trading environment. Well in the end by keeping in contact, you finally offered me that job in 2003. I've not looked back since and part of your spirit and personality lives on. Thanks to you we continue to be a kind caring people business which is what carries on our success today, of course along with the hard core negotiation you taught us, whilst having a smile on our faces, and treating people with respect. Julian you have been such an inspiration in so many people's lives. Thank you Julian. Gig & Charlie my thoughts are with you today x

An amazing guy. A true gentleman. Andrew

A truly wonderful, kind, positive and inspirational man. His smile lit up the room and that laugh, I can still hear it now, it was contagious. I learnt so much from Julian and I loved being in his company, I adored him as did so many people who knew him. From his fabulous butterfly brain, his remarkable ideas, vast knowledge and his incredible product development, even his chaotic desk was part of what made Julian special. Julian always treated everyone with respect He helped so many people in so many different ways. I have so many wonderful memories of the time I spent with Julian. He will be remembered fondly as a special unique and wonderful man taken from us all too soon,. xx

Julian it was an honour and a privilege to bring you back to The Works as a product consultant when we launched TheWorks.co.uk online business. Long before I ever met you l heard so many positive stories about you and what a great nose for product you had and what a good man you were. You certainly didn’t disappoint and I really valued you passion for The Works proposition and the need to continually evolve it. I still use the Julian word “Funucational” to this day. You also left a real people legacy at The Works and I know Andrea would often think “What would Julian do” when making a key product decision. You have been taken from us far to soon but you really have left an amazing legacy. Thank you for everything you did and the crucial role you played in making The Works what it is today. My thoughts and prayers are with Gig and Charlie at this very sad time. Rest in peace.

Everyday I click on here and everyday I click off because there are simply so many memories of our time working together that I don't know what to write. What I do know is that you taught me everything I know and if being a tough negotiator but with heart and soul is what I'm remembered for then you definitely can take full responsibility for that. I learned from the very best and I thank you for that. I'm also going to take much better care of the big wooden antique trunk you sold me 26 years ago, I'm sure you had it in your car because you had nowhere for it at home and you said Gig would not be pleased if you took another big antique piece home. I still love it today.

We have many reasons to be thankful for meeting Julian in the early 80s - almost too many to list. He was kind, thoughtful, approachable, knowledgeable and was instrumental in developing our fledgling bookselling operation into the significant business that we now know as The Works. Thanks Julian, the world could do with more people like you - you were taken too young. Our thoughts are with Gig and Charlie Jane & Mike Crossley

Julian was someone who had a big impact on my life . Although being Julian he probably never realised what an impact he had. Julian was this character who I first came across in 1991; me a young Sales Guy in the early stages of a career; Julian- only 6/7 years older but to me this almost " iconic " figure , running a big Business called " The Works" In the 90's we had so many meetings . Every single one seemed to evolve into two separate Lessons Lesson 1; The art of Trading; Julian had this knack of being as " hard as nails " when doing a deal but being a perfect gentleman at the same time. Lesson 2 ; Knowledge of Life; whether it was " politics", " history " , "religion " or many other topics ; Julian would share his thoughts with me in a way that invited feedback and questions. Even though I had a fraction of his Knowledge I never felt uncomfortable asking him questions. These" meetings" were regular and often went on late into the night. In the " Noughties " and as the Works had continued to grow Julian reluctantly had to delegate and we saw each other less but I always enjoyed it when we did catch up. I hope Gig and Charlie can cherish the wonderful memories they have of him as his immediate family. I know that myself and everyone lucky enough to know him through " Business" will cherish their memories of him. Rest in peace " Julian" lots of love Andrew " Eddie " Edwards xxx

Julian - You were such an inspirational leader, always kind, passionate and encouraging during the time we worked together. I have so many memories and will never forget the huge part you played in my life at The Works. You were a 'genius gentleman'. Thinking of Gig and Charlie. RIP Julian x

Julian, what can you say, will be dearly missed, in business we had so many ideas bouncing backward and forwards and was a great support to RF when at The Works Remembering today so many meetings, Julian always had the knowing twinkle Always an idea - a style or artist loved - so many ideas Always supportive - to soon and well be massively missed but impressions of the man Julian will live long within us and those lucky enough to have met him Love to you Julians family Andy Hicks, Hicks Family and team at Robert Frederick -

I will miss Julian's cheerfulness and kindness whenever I popped next door! I didn't know him well but I do know that he adored Gig and Charlie and it showed in how he was towards them. I will miss his cheery face and soft spoken voice and his comings and goings in his little blue mini! He was also a very generous man and often giving me bottles of lovely drinks!! Rest well dear man, you are missed, Hazel (Bill, Beki, Josh and Katie)

Julian was my boss when I first joined The Works back in 2007. He was a pleasure to work for; always encouraging, fun, understanding, and totally inspirational. He was a brilliant man who I often thought of years later and I am so sad to learn of his passing. Julian's passion for his work was fantastic to witness, he had no idea how he inspired my working life in the years that followed - for me, he was 'the benchmark boss', the one that others couldn't quite live up to... The world is now missing a total blinder of a human being, I am honoured to have known him and will always, always remember him with fondness. Sending love Julian's family, Hannah x

Julian was instrumental in encouraging Hinkler to develop our own products he made substantial commitments to our first few titles half of them were made up during our first meeting together on our honeymoon March 2000. I demonstrated the made-up titles in Marcel Marceau mime, he negotiated for hours on end, we eventually got the deal done and Hinkler Publishing was born. Thank-you. Julian your integrity, wit, disarming nature coupled with an incredible shrewdness was a powerful and legendary combination. RIP beautiful man you will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathies go out to the family. Stephen Ungar

Wonderful brother in law. Always loved seeing him. Will miss him lots. Kathy and Neville xx

Remembering Julian's gentle kindness and witty good humour...always a pleasure to be with. Greatly loved and greatly missed... from Mary xxx

Thank you for setting up this memorial to Julian. We hope that you find it a positive experience developing the site and that it becomes a place of comfort and inspiration for you to visit whenever you want or need to.

I am I and you are you, whatever we were to each other that we still are. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? Life means all that it ever meant, it is the same as it ever was.