RIP Timothy Pickles

The Times-Picayune

April 12, 2020

Timothy Pickles passed away April 3 at the age of 66. He was from Yorkshire, England, and he studied at Harrogate College. He was a resident of New Orleans for 30 years. Timothy was a fixture in the national and local film industry. His first professional big break was on the mini-series, "Noble House," where he consulted on costumes. He was producer for several shows on the History Channel. Well-known and respected in the film industry as a historical consultant as well as his expertise on American and European military costumes and protocol, he worked on such projects as The Last of the Mohicans, the popular series Mail Call, The Free State of Jones, and Sofia Coppola's The Beguiled, as well as the recent reboot of the Roots TV series in which he helped stage battle scenes. His last work was advisor for the 2019 re-enactment of the Slave Revolt march that ended in New Orleans. Timothy, although a Brit, was also an expert on the Battle of New Orleans and was instrumental in many re-enactments. You can find him as General Pakenham in the documentary of the battle at the Chalmette Battle Field visitor center. He also wrote a book about the Battle of New Orleans: New Orleans 1815: Andrew Jackson Crushes the British, and another book titled: Malta 1565: Last Battle of the Crusades. A familiar face at his beloved St. Patrick's Church Latin Mass, Timothy served as usher there for many years. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of history and could recite perfectly bits of dialogue from his favorite films. Timothy, very much the gentleman, had the kind of upbeat personality people liked to be around, always brightening a room not only with his presence but also with his knowledge of present and past events especially around historic and world events. His old-time natural charm, culture and eagerness to bring people together are irreplaceable. And his attachment to the English Catholic heritage he received, was one of his noblest traits. He loved New Orleans for it's unique customs and deep history. He was a Knight Commander of the Star of Ethiopia and was awarded the Knight Grand Cross of the Lion of Rwanda by the King of Rwanda, for services rendered. He was a Knight Commander of Merit with Star of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George, and served the order as Vice Delegate for the South; active in the Order of Lazarus; one of the founders of the Napoleonic Association; founder of Louisiana Living History Foundation Historical Military Productions; and member of the Round Table Club. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Holmes, and 3 stepchildren Alex, Grier, and Sallie. Services will be announced at a later date.

PICKLES, Timothy

Born: 1959, Yorkshire, England, U.K.

Died: 4/3/2020, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A.

Timothy Pickles’s westerns – historical, military consultant, technical advisor, costumer, actor:

The Last of the Mohicans – 192 [technical costume advisor]

Wild West Tech (TV) – 2004 [costumer]

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter – 2012 (upper class citizen)

Django Unchained – 2012 (Cleopatra Club patron)

Free State of Jones – 2016 [military consultant]

The Beguiled – 2017 [historical consultant]