In 1974, in the aftermath of a violent attack by police on the Windsor Free Festival, Albery, with playwright Heathcote Williams and his partner Diana Senior successfully sued David Holdsworth, the Thames Valley Chief Constable, for creating a riotous situation in which the police attacked the plaintiffs.
[5] Albery was a Minister for the Free State of Frestonia in North Kensington[6] and a Green Party candidate in Notting Hill.
From small beginnings (a network of inventors, a quarterly newsletter), the Institute grew into a full-fledged organisation under his leadership: producing an annual compendium, running social inventions workshops and promoting creative solutions around the world.
The Institute included Edward de Bono, Anita Roddick and Fay Weldon among its patrons.
In 1991, with Christianne Heal, he and his wife founded the Natural Death Centre, offering advice on DIY burials.