Egyptian replicas on display at Post Falls Library
Bob Fletcher’s hand-crafted items can be viewed through Oct. 15
The Post Falls Public Library brings back another display of ancient replicas, hand-made by Bob Fletcher of Bayview. This year’s collection features replicas from ancient Egypt and can be seen through Oct. 15 at the Post Falls library, 821 N. Spokane Street.
There’s no need to visit the New York Museum of Natural History, because Fletcher has hand-crafted many of the crowns, headdresses, weapons and other features, based on actual museum exhibits.
He retired from an active career in music promotions, investigation and toy manufacturing, after a shoulder operation rendered him unable to continue in his previous fields.
Not one to sit around, his home resembles a living museum made up of ancient Japanese apparel, armor and weapons, such as actual-size samurai swords. This hobby, started about three years ago, encompasses several different art forms, including paintings as well as the hand-made replicas from ancient cultures. Leather helmets, 3,000-year-old regalia from the pharaohs, especially those of King Tutankhamen.
Toys from the tomb of the boy king are on display, such as board games, including Jackals and Hounds and Senet. Also from the King Tut collection, Fletcher has recreated such weapons as the bolo, still used in Argentina. It’s another example of Egyptian culture found in South America, such as pyramids and other Egyptian-type artifacts.
Fletcher has a fascinating past. At 28, he was a production executive with MCA records, promoting such musicians as Elton John, The Who and Conway Twitty, and he produced several groups and records such as the Wizards. During the ’70s, he created a ’50s and ’60s rock-and-roll revival album featuring such acts as Bill Haley & the Comets and many other greats.
Against some heavy opposition from the religious community, he managed to successfully promote the soundtrack of “Jesus Christ, Superstar.” Other careers in investigation and toy inventions filled out his highly varied history.
He lives with his wife, Nancy, of 13 years, in a small cottage, surrounded by replica samurai swords, American Indian costumes and head dresses. His next exhibit, scheduled from Oct. 15 through Nov. 15, will feature his American Indian collection. That date is somewhat loose because the library may want to displaythe Egyptian collection for an additional month. The samurai collection was seen last year at the library.