Anthrax Finds a New Drummer

Artist and woodworker Christopher Niall “Pascal” Norris recently died of anthrax poisoning at the age of 50. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, Norris was the son of a skilled cabinetmaker who showed early talent in woodworking and music and studied violin under Leonard Friedman, director of the Scottish Baroque Ensemble. A graduate of Edinburgh Art College, he subsequently began making musical instruments and other items, which he kept in his workshop in Hawick in the Scottish borders. It has been suggested that Norris may have contracted anthrax from a dead badger that he found at the side of the road and which he skinned to make two drums.