Barbara Taylor Bradford obituary: An author of substance

Robert Bradford played a large role in his wife’s work and, she said, shepherded her career. In addition to making screen versions of his wife’s stories, he liked to be involved in their promotion.

He was the first person to buy a full-page ad on the back page of the New York Times Arts section.

Robert also loved to buy her gifts, most notably jewellery, no fewer than five pieces a year. She also accumulated countless handbags.

When Robert died after having a stroke in 2019, Bradford was totally devastated.

“We were everything to each other,” she said., external “But I have to keep going. Bob always thought I was a strong woman. He liked strong women – never had time for those little fragile blondes.”

She had auctioned off some pieces of jewellery in 2013 and, following his death and her move into a smaller apartment, Bradford sold more, saying she just didn’t have enough room.

Eventually, Bradford found some solace by turning to her most-loved original characters, announcing she was writing a prequel to A Woman of Substance, this time focusing on Emma Harte’s great friend Shane “Blackie” O’Neill.

Quoted in the press release for the book, Bradford said: “After my beloved husband, Bob Bradford, died in the summer, Blackie O’Neill came back into my head.