He speaks fluent German and cited the reason for learning it as wanting to enjoy reading Goethe in the language it was written.
Taking this skill with him at the end of the Second World War, he joined a new Government Department, Directorate of Overseas Surveys (DOS) where he ran his own experimental section.
[2] Using his previous printing experience and knowledge he was responsible for designing and supervising colour proofing on specialised relief maps.
His early paintings were of a whimsical nature although he is a competent artist in the conventional style with landscape being a favourite subject.
He has always had an eye for the bright and glittering, the vivid and arresting and toyed with the idea of working with stained glass at one point in his career.
He is delighted to see the Turner Contemporary Gallery taking shape and looks with interest to the artistic endeavours of the local area to assist the regeneration of this beautiful part of the country.