Museum may house legacy of protein 'philosopher'

STANLEY OWEN-GREEN, better known as the 'Protein Man' of Oxford Street, died last month, writes Joy Persaud.

His famous placard, which read 'Less passion from less protein - meat, fish, eggs, cheese, beans and nuts', warns of the dangers of eating too much protein, which Mr Owen-Green, who was 78, regarded as the food of corruption. His philosophy was 'quite simply, protein makes passion. If we eat less of it the world will be a happier place.' He sold leaflets for a few pence to West End passers-by and in the process became a minor celebrity.

He started the day with a breakfast of oatmeal porridge, raw egg, and a plateful of chopped dates, washed down with a drink made from carrots, swedes, parsnips or dandelion trimmings.

Mr Owen-Green lived in a council flat in Northolt, west London, and from 1965 cycled from there to the West End nearly every morning, until he fell ill last November.

Ruth Willis, area housing manager at Ealing Council, cleared Mr Owen-Green's belongings from his flat and discovered leaflets, boxing medals, an early camera and two book manuscripts he had written about the evils of protein.

She said: 'We found an ancient printing press and letters from the tenants below complaining about the constant thumping from the press as he turned out leaflets.'

Mr Owen-Green was a bachelor and is survived by one brother. If all goes to plan, the Museum of London will give his printed legacy a home for life.