Debut show proves there is life after Tatty Teddy

Mike Payne (second from left), with his special guests (from the left) Des Lynam, Tony Macaulay and Richard Digance Photo by Robert Goldsmith

He was joined by sports broadcasting legend Des Lynam, Tony Macaulay, twice named Songwriter of the Year and holder of several Ivor Novello awards, and entertainer Richard Digance, at a private view.

All are good friends of Mike’s and another, former Brighton and Hove Albion chairman Dick Knight, arrived later.

Dozens of guests admired the varied work on display, which showed Mike’s branching out into new artistic avenues after years as a renowned cartoonist, with the celebrated Tatty Teddy character among his creations.

After Des gave a witty speech to open the preview, Mike admitted he was nervous about staging his first exhibition.

Seascapes and a delightful view of Church Lane, Angmering were among the fine examples of his new direction, while vibrant pictures of beach huts, with an element of humour, made an eye-catching entrance to the exhibition.

Naturally, his skills as a cartoonist and graphic artist were well-represented, too.

And a section featuring striking black-and-white images of singing stars had guests playing a guessing game to see how many they could identify – best not to give the game away, so we will leave it at that.

The free exhibition continues until Sunday at the museum, in Mill Road, from 10am-5pm each day.