Hugh C. Bell

This time, I'm remembering the special timbre of his voice, answering the phone, with, " HUGH BELL!" I'll bet everyone can still conjure up that unique sound!

Hugh Bell was a mentor, friend and father figure to me as an aspiring makeup artist and creative in the early 90s. I lived with him and his family in the famous West Village loft. I always felt Hugh was a spiritual guide and protector sent to watch over me. I will always carry his memory with me. Rest well my dear friend.

I have recently mentioned High Bell in relation to what he would do, based on his past actions, to combat uptick of anti Semitism in NYC. From the start,he gave each intern a small book explaining Jewish holidays & customs so that they would understand why the stores of the many suppliers of photography equipment would be closed on certain days. In this way, he engendered understanding & respect rather than annoyance. An admirable person! Much missed! May he rest in deserved...

Though I have written so many times I can add that even after 10 years since his passing, very recently I spoke of his special mentorship of young people. A great tribute to him! May he rest in peace. Gila Lipton

It's hard to believe so many years have gone by. Hugh Bell was an exemplary & most helpful mentor to so many interested students I was able to refer from the High School Executive Internships Program. I retired in 1995 & I believe the Program was ended a short while afterwards. One day, some years later, I was walking in the area of Union Square when I realized Hugh was in the middle of a serious photo shoot of a model. She was leaning against a building while he was getting ready ...

In the early 70s I had the great Pleasure to work with COOL PAPA BELL as an assistant thru The Executive Internship Program. Hugh was a good man, fine teacher and One of the Great People Photographer; his image in the family of man will live forever. I am only sorry that I fell out of touch in his later years.

Another memory of Hugh: I was a teacher /coordinator of the High School Internships Program& I sent candidates to him for Interviews. (He accepted anyone who was interested! ) As many have recounted, Hugh was interested in educating the 'whole person!' He used to say that when a candidate arrived, he would ask how he/she got here. If the answer was," By subway!" , Hugh would ask, " Where's your book?" If the student looked puzzled, Hugh would say, " How can you ride the subway w/out a...

I love you Mr. Bell, you've always been on my mind to come and visit, with deepest regrets. I will always remember when we went on different assignments, esp. Upstate NY. I learned lots on those shoots. I will always miss and think about you... Love Pamela, New York, NY