Lesley Abadi: with gratitude
Chisholme Blog | Sunday, 14th July, 2024

Lesley Emine Abadi has stepped down from the Institute Board of Directors after over 40 years of constant service, from the Institute's inauguration to the present day. During a large part of this time she chaired the Board.

She would often recall, amidst laughter, how, at the inception of the Institute, Bulent Rauf had cast around the room for another Director, and his eyes had fallen on her. "You'll do!" he said, and that was that, despite her protestations of inadequacy (all of which, I have to say, turned out to be either untrue or irrelevant).

Emine has been a light, warm and generous presence around Chisholme and beyond for half a century, and, though she may be stepping back from her duties, she remains a member of the Institute, and we hope to continue to see as much of her as her grandmothering duties will allow.

With much gratitude,
Tim Roberts
Fellow Board Member
July 2024

Emine was an authentic, reliable and helpful presence in Board meetings, with her balanced and objective points of view. Whatever matter was under discussion, she took herself out of the way to represent the view from ‘the top of the pyramid’.

Having been guided by Bulent, her input in the kitchen was invaluable, especially as she is a fabulous cook! She also helped the various housekeepers over the years, providing a framework for maintaining an impeccable standard of good taste and beauty in Chisholme House.

Emine was a dear friend to Bulent’s wife, Angela Culme Seymour, and she took great care of her in the last years of her life.

Emine served the board for over 40 years, and her presence and commitment are deeply appreciated by the all Directors who worked with her.

Paul Finegan
Former Institute Board Member

Lesley Abadi
Lesley graduated from Glasgow School of Art in 1966 after majoring in printed textile design. She worked as a freelance designer and taught in Winchester School of Art, Croydon College of Art and Bournemouth College of Art. Lesley later taught sixth form art A level students and in adult education centres.

Photo: Emine, centre in pink, with from left: Hannah Dalgleish, Julia Dry, Hamid van Koten, Tim Roberts, Sylvain Ayité and Hiroko Nagato Apthorp.

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