The great pianist Shura Cherkassky, when confronted by that well-meaning but sigh-inducing post-concert green room question “Who is your...

If you are a regular reader of this column, you will know a few things about me and my relationship with art. You will know that, as well...

When I was at school in the 1960s and 70s, there were those who could spell, and those who could not. Those whose lack of ability was...

I was recently sent a family photo that unfortunately brought flooding back some memories of a traumatic period in my life. The era was...

During the 1990's I was in the happy position of being able to attend many classical concerts in London in the company of my great piano...

As this column reaches its first century (the article to follow this one will be the 100th!), it's time for some shameless plugging....

There are a few paintings hanging in galleries across the world that hold a legendary, almost folkloric attraction. People make...

In 1983 I graduated from Reading University, necessitating a return to the prison of my family home. Subversion was impossible. Any...

I have recently enjoyed a 'mini-holiday' (much-needed) in the form of a visit by a dear friend from Germany. In anticipation of our my...

Vincent Van Gogh said (maybe) “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” Whether Vincent Van penned or uttered...

A few of you know that, just over three weeks ago, my brother-in-law passed away after the sudden onset of a short but horrific...

Some of the best quotes are never fully attributable to any one individual. Either that or their words and/or essence have been massaged...

Well guys, this is now a nonagenarian site! It's taken me just under two years, but here we are on the ninetieth piece of artistic...

Hanging my head in shame, I see it has been over a month since I last posted. The past few weeks have not been easy, and I have not felt...

May 4th  saw the passing of the prominent American artist Frank Stella. Born in Malden, Massachusetts, in 1936, this highly distinctive...

I am aware that it's been a while since I last posted. I have had a few worries and preoccupations. I was also laid low with persistent...

Well, not me or my mind, particularly – though some might consider the title apposite! Instead, I refer to https://www.thecrazymind.com/,...

As you all know, I like to keep posts coming on a roughly weekly basis, sometimes even more enthusiastically even than that! Here's one...

What is the origin of this phrase that trips so lightly off the tongue? I associate it most closely with Pamela Stephenson's...

Back in the mid 1980's, I used to drink with the brilliant cartoonist and commercial artist Willem Van Beek (the Flying Dutchman as we...