Arthur "Archie" Hill (3 May 1928 – 1986) was a writer, broadcaster and photographer who came from the English Black Country, a region which provided the central theme for his work. His writing included acclaimed autobiographical books as well novels, radio plays, television scripts and journalism. The pinnacle of his broadcasting career was a four-part 1974 BBC TV series called Archie Hill Comes Home. He was described by writer Michael Pearson as "…hugely talented … very rough Black Country with a lived-in face. An alcoholic with suicidal tendencies, he was said to be programmed to self-destruct, but always had a smile and a twinkle in his eye." He died by suicide in 1986. Life Childhood Hill was born and raised close to Kinver, near Stourbridge, on the edge of the Black Country, the eldest but one of eleven children. His family lived in impoverished working-class conditions and his father was an abusive alcoholic. These circumstances led to Hill leading a troubled childhood and turning for comfort and guidance and friendship to friends of his father called Konk and Pope Tolley who taught him a great deal about life and country lore. Hill's attendance at school was sporadic though he did attend Art College around the age of fifteen. Early adult life At sixteen, Hill left Art College and started working on canal barges. At age eighteen, in 1945, he entered the RAF where he was to serve for six years, the first four in the Middle East and then as a member of the Military Police. During this period he developed a chronic dependence on alcohol. After his military service ended Hill relocated to Hertfordshire and joined the Police Force in 1951. This was short-lived as his alcoholism made it impossible for him to fulfill his duties. During this period he also had a brief marriage which ended due to his abusive behaviour. He was picked up in the street suffering from alcohol poisoning and spent a period in a mental hospital. Some time after release, he was arrested and was imprisoned for theft from gas metres. In prison he met the physicist and spy, Klaus Fuchs who introduced him to classical music and the arts generally; this meeting played a large part in Hill's subsequent development. After being discharged from prison, he lived rough for a time eventually finding the resolve to overcome his dependence on drink and live