Mick Casson

Military Service & Rank: 25 years in the army as a musician as percussionist and drummer.

Yeoman at the Tower Since: 1988

Interests & Hobbies: Art, Afternoon Tower talks, Travelling

Mick Casson's life as a Yeoman Warder and resident of the Tower of London began on the 4th March 1988. Running parallel with many of his colleagues at the Tower, Mick's 25 years of military service took him to the four corners of the globe. One difference is that Mick was armed with a set of percussive musical instruments and was literally playing drums around the world, much the same as I have done only under different circumstances of course.

In his own words he explains. "Well, my army career really was as a musician and I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed every minuet of it. As well as having played in a multitude of military bands I have also worked in several private outfits playing a variety of musical styles. Since being here though, I very rarely seem to get the opportunity to pick up a pair of sticks although I do still get a yearning to play".

Mick may not be picking up drum-sticks much these days but sticks and skins have now actually been replaced by artist's paint-brushes and canvas. As with his uncle (Royal College of Art's) Sir Hugh Casson, Mick is a highly accomplished artist and spends much of his spare time at the easel.

"I wouldn't exactly say I'm at an easel as you are more likely to find me with a sketch-pad and crayons" says Mick. "A lot of what I do is based around caricature and landscape imagery". Whether it be on canvas or sketch-pad Mick Casson's talent as an artist certainly shines through as can be seen on the sample of his work he kindly provided us with.

On a final point I would like to mention the fact that Mick Casson is often invited by corporate and private functions as guest after dinner speaker on the Tower of London.