Cafe hosts solo art exhibition

Talented Geoffrey Taylor, 67, said he has been "completely taken by surprise", by the kind words of support and praise he has received since the exhibition opened last week.

He said: "It's been a real moral booster to know that people are interested in my work; and to hear them say words such as 'impressive' has completely taken me by surprise."

Geoffrey, who spent three years at art school, followed by seven years working as a commercial artist in west end studios, gave up his dream of painting, and instead diversified his talents by becoming a plasterer in his fathers firm.

Geoffrey said: "Due to family circumstances it was a case of needs must, so art took a back seat."

He moved to Little Common three years ago "for a quieter life" and shortly after joined a local art class where he resumed his love of painting.

Geoffrey has been attending the art class, run by tutor Keith Collins, for the past two and a half years, and the group recently organised a trip to the Cotswold's; providing Geoffrey with the opportunity to add to his portfolio, and paint some colourful, stunning landscape scenes.

Geoffrey then approached owners of recently opened Espresso Max, Samantha and William McKeown, to ask if they would consider putting on a one man exhibition, which they were more than delighted to do.

Samantha said: "I love it! We were so happy to hold the exhibition for Geoffrey, and were more than willing to show his pictures."

Geoffrey mainly paints landscapes using acrylics, and watercolours, although he said he is branching out into more "figurative work".

The free exhibition at Espresso Max comprises of ten pieces of Geoffrey's work, and include landscape scenes of Sussex and the Cotswold's, along with some stylised pieces.

The exhibition runs until 27th September and all work on show is available to buy.