I was born into a self-effacing but extremely artistic family. I tried to break away from this tradition by reading English at Leeds University. I married a German Paediatrician and we lived near Zurich for 3 years. Back in this country and widowed at an early age with 2 sons to support I got a job teaching woodwind instruments for Hampshire. Flute was my main instrument but I later learned to play the bassoon and gained a lot of experience playing in orchestras and chamber groups.

Meanwhile I was unconsciously documenting home life with paintings. The volume of work ebbed and flowed according to the circumstances of my life but has been an underlying constant throughout.

A Tribute to my Teacher

Many people who went to Brockenhurst Grammar School will remember the charismatic teaching of artist Mike Gough. He never massaged egos but stimulated everyone to do their best. The art room was the whole top floor of the new building which became an area of refuge for many of us. He made no separation between teacher and pupil which at that period (early 60s) was still the norm, but we were on first name terms and he was a friend and mentor. Unknown to us his life experienced  tragedy but he made us all laugh, infected by his hilarious giggles.

I did decide to study Fine Art and was accepted at Reading University which was his alma mater, but changed my mind at the last minute influenced by other considerations.