Forum Topic

Peter Zinovieff

Does anyone have any info on Peter Zinovieff, b. 26/1/1933, still alive aged 85, son of Leo Z. & Sofka nee Princess Sophia Dolgorouky? He was an electronic music pioneer and inventor of the VCS3 synthesiser, with “a shed in his garden in Putney”, which was either a studio, or where they were made, or both, and which was later partially destroyed by a flood. I have it in the back of my head that his house was in Deodar Road, but have been unable to confirm this.

Philip John Evison ● 2637d7 Comments

My other half will be most envious that you knew him, Rose!

Lucille Grant ● 2634d

I knew him when he was in Deodar Road.  His studio moved into the basement of the house, and that is where his prototype synthesizers were made.  There are some good photos on the internet of 'Sofka' and 'Leo' the computers named after his children.  EMS had a 'shop' for a while on Putney Bridge road.

Rose Compton ● 2634d

Many thanks for input Caroline & Lucille. Lord Berners, from what little I know, was an eccentric character, though wrote some good (to my ear) music. Will dig further and try and find the Sofka novel. I may take you up on the offer of a loan of the other book, Caroline.

Philip John Evison ● 2635d

Thanks Caroline - I'm sure I'll find a copy (I have a huge TBR pile of books already, both here and in Paris!)I hadn't realised until you mentioned it the connection between Sofka's book and her link with Faringdon House! 'Putney' does sound intriguing indeed.

Lucille Grant ● 2635d

Lucille: The Book is called "The Mad Boy, Lord Berners, my Grandmother and Me". Published by Jonathan Cape in 2014. You are welcome to borrow it.However it is very much more about Sofka's mother Victoria's side of the family than about the Zinovieffs. It provides a fascinating picture of the social and artistic circle around Lord Berners and Robert Heber-Percy at Faringdon House both pre and postwar.  Robert Heber-Percy (the "Mad Boy") was Sofka's grandfather and unexpectedly left Faringdon House to her when she was 25.Incidentally I see that Sofka has just written a novel called "Putney" set in the riverside house of a composer - sounds intriguing!

Caroline Whitehead ● 2636d

His house was the one nearest the railway bridge I think, Caroline. My other half, who collects synthesisers and used to be a musician, told me about Zinovieff.  Could you let me have the title of the book please? I'd like to get a  copy if possible.

Lucille Grant ● 2636d

This was on the Forum previously in 2016. It was established that Peter Zinovieff lived at 42 or 49 Deodar Rd. I have a book written by his daughter Sofka which covers a great deal of fascinating family history. You are welcome to borrow it.

Caroline Whitehead ● 2637d