Former Campaign journalist Gail Amber dies

by John Tylee Campaign 12-May-08, 15:00

LONDON - Gail Amber, one of Campaign's best known journalists for a decade from the mid-70s, has died aged 62.

Her body was found at her flat in Sherbourne, Dorset, on Friday.

She was recently diagnosed with esophageal cancer although she had been responding well to chemotherapy.

Amber, who was a news reporter, feature writer and diary editor during her time on the magazine, was a larger-than-life character who reported on adland through one of its most flamboyant eras.

Seldom seen without a cigarette holder and a glass of champagne, Amber knew most of the leading agency figures of the period and was married for a time to the creative director Mike Isaacson.

"She really got on with the job," Bernard Barnett, her one-time editor, said. "She was a very good feature writer and news hound."

Martin Boase, one of the founders of Boase Massmi Pollitt, said: " I've lost count of the number of gossipy sessions I had with her. Gail had considerable style and lots of charm."

Reg Starkey, a former Creative Circle president, said: "I can't picture Gail without her cigarette holder and glass of champagne. She was extraordinarily nice."

Amber began her career in agencies before joining the editorial staff of the then Advertiser's Weekly. She was later hired by Campaign after its Haymarket owner acquired Advertiser's Weekly and closed it.

After leaving Campaign in 1985 she set up a creative headhunting operation but it failed to thrive. She continued working a freelance writer until health problems overcame her.

Do you remember Gail during her time at Campaign? Leave your tributes below:

Comments

Ian White - 12/05/2008

I was lucky enough to work with Gail at Adweek and Campaign. She personified the glamour of British advertising during its most exotic period in the '70's and early '80's. They'll be cracking open the Moet at the Pearly Gates. RIP.

Mark Doherty - 13/05/2008

The seasons pass, but we remember them with such joy.

Tammy McGloughlin - 17/05/2008

Gail was a dear friend and most of all, I will miss her warmth and laughter. it is a very sad time for all of us who knew her.

Digby Atkinson - 19/05/2008

I will remember Gail as a real little sparkler that would listen to that particular days 'moan', say 'Never mind luv - have you heard about...' and totally drive any gloom out of the moment with her entertaining observations on what the folk of 'ad land' where getting up to, and sometimes with whom! All that light-heartedness disguised a real warmth for people and a unique understanding of the industry she was a part of. Gail, for me your memory will keep shinning. Digby.