Christopher Colver Arnold died on October 30 in Southampton, where he lived. He was 52.
Mr. Arnold was born April 14, 1963, and spent his early years in Chicago, where he attended the Latin School. Later he moved east and graduated from Phillips Academy Andover. After spending a year at Rugby School in Warwickshire, England, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He was an accomplished writer, composer, lyricist, event producer, photojournalist, art gallerist and collector. Survivors said he dazzled others with his knowledge—quoting Caesar in Latin, Homer in Greek or Shakespeare in rhyme—and was the life of the party with his musicality, often playing the piano and singing his own parodies of Cole Porter tunes.
Mr. Arnold worked in public relations for many years with his close friend Ted Kruckel at Ted, Inc. He co-produced events for clients including Van Cleef & Arpels, Christian Dior, InStyle, and Vanity Fair. Throughout his life, he had a passion for photography. A decades-long friendship with legendary photographer Bert Stern steered him to the art world, where he became associated with the Keszler Gallery in Southampton, a venue recognized for its local support of the artist Banksy, as documented in an HBO special. Mr. Arnold was inspired by new artists and the challenge of unusual installations at Art Miami and Art Hamptons, including transporting the wall of a building adorned with a piece by Banksy. “Moncle Chris,” as he was known by his nieces, nephews and their friends, played magic tricks, “marco polo” in the pool and card games with them.
Survivors said he was a kind and sensitive man whose sense of style, mischievous wit and generous spirit brightened every room he entered.
Mr. Arnold is survived by two brothers, Rome and Greg, and their wives, Lisa and Mona; and a nephew, Rome IV.
Memorial donations may be made to the Southampton Hospital Foundation, 240 Meeting House Lane, Southampton, NY 11968.
A memorial service is being planned for a later date.
on Nov 16, 2015