I returned to Sussex in 1980 knowing that there was a Festival in Brighton and having contacts with some of the local artists. I hoped that there would be a thriving partnership between the Festival and the local community similar to my experience in the United States. I was disappointed to discover that the Festival was in the doldrums and that there was very little connection between its organisers and the local artistic community. In fact the 1982 Festival brochure was a very small 16-page leaflet and the four visual arts events in the Fringe were all organised by local artists including an excellent exhibition on Picasso and the Theatre organised by local, Gavin Henderson.

The Open Studios, which had been part of the Festival in the 1970’s had also faded away. So being the sort of person who enjoys a challenge and having a three-story house with very little furniture, I decide to open every room in the house. But because I was not in the centre of town I felt I needed more then just my work to attract visitors so I invited nine other artist friends to show with me. I still recall my surprise when I found my show covered by the local radio and two TV channels as well as the most of the local and county newspapers. The public came and we sold the art.