The Brighton clairvoyant, astrologer and author Eva Petulengro has died at the age of 85, according to agent Sara Cameron.
For many years, the fortune-teller was a familiar figure for anyone going on the Palace Pier where she had a booth and later on the seafront arches.
And her books were praised for their record of a vanishing way of life, with The Girl in the Painted Caravan followed by Caravans and Wedding Bands.
Sara Cameron said: “Romany gypsy Eva Petulengro, celebrity clairvoyant, astrologer and Sunday Times best-selling author has died aged 85.
“Brighton icon Eva Petulengro spent over 50 years predicting fortunes on Brighton seafront and gained such a reputation that her clients grew to include the Beatles, stars of stage and screen, politicians and members of the royal family.
“She was flown to Hollywood to read the fortunes of stars such as Michael Caine and Joan Collins.
“Eva was born in a painted caravan and was a member of the last generation of true Romany gypsies.
“Eva met and married Jonnie, the love of her life, in Brighton and had four children including Claire, who followed in her mother’s footsteps to become a well-known astrologer and author in her own right.
“Eva died peacefully on Sunday 26 May surrounded by her family.”
When working as a sign writer I painted the property over two a week period on the corner of Duke Street for her. All in tasteful Burgundy with cream and black drop shadow lettering, it looked really refined. While painting the wording in reverse on the window inside which took many hours I could not help but overhear the practical advice given to clients, like for instance a lady who’s husband had left her and she had financial problems. Eva advised take in a lodger and manage the mortgage on interest only basis, all good down to earth advice.
A very nice lady to work for.
In 1979 I came from California to Brighton for a job interview at American Express. Unable to decide whether to accept their job offer I wandered in to Eva Petrulengo’s kiosk where she said she could see me happy and working at a big white building overlooking the sea. Clearly this was the Amex European HQ, and her advice was good so I took the job and worked there for the next 5 years. Thankyou Eva.
I was a taxi driver for streamline taxis our dispatcher would call for a cab for eva petulengro and say
” she knows your coming ”
always cracked me up
That’s fabulous. What a nice memory.
Such an amazing lady
Loved her Frank Sinatra
Every time I hear the lady is a tramp reminds me of the days we sang and drunk till early hours in the Thurlow
God bless Eva I’m sure Eddie will be pleased to see you
Xxx
She rented my beautiful flat in Brighton and trashed it. I could never have predicted that!
Knew Eva for a few years. Amazing lady and will be missed by all. love to the family. x
Such an amazing lady
Had good times listening to her favourite singer Frank Sinatra, when ever I hear the lady is a tramp always reminds me of Eva. Late nite drinking and lots of singing at the Thurlow arms. I’m sure Eddie will be waiting for you with A LARGE COUVOSIER AND COKE DARLING. rest in peace Eva gone but never forgotten xxxx
did she know Max Mephisto?
She wished she had known Max!
She gave me some quite detailed advice about a man I was going to meet in the next year, but he never showed up. She also said I’d been married, which wasn’t true. I guess my palm was telling a few fibs. But she did remark that I’m not easily impressed by the opposite sex, which made me laugh – as I’d only recently been chatted up very clumsily.