Peter hails from Cambridgeshire where he started exhibiting as a member of the Haverhill Art Society in the 1950s. He subsequently went on to be a member of the Cambridge Drawing Society and the Ely Art Society. It was also during this time that he wrote several local history booklets, notably 'Curiosities of Rural Cambridgeshire' and 'Dovecots of Cambridgeshire'. During the mid 1980s he relocated to Balmaclellan in Dumfries & Galloway with his companion, Joan Carmichael. 

 

His new surroundings inspired him to draw many of the areas old buildings and learn it's folklore. Many of the local tales he heard were put into the form of poetry and published in his booklet 'Galloway Folk'. As a member of the Stewartry Art Society he exhibited locally and went on to hold a solo exhibition at the Harbour Cottage Gallery.  After 27 years painting and writing in Galloway he is now returning to Cambridgeshire to be closer to his family and re-acquaint himself with the Flatlands of North Cambridgeshire.

 

He continues to write and paint on a daily basis, however it is the research from his earlier books on Cambridgeshire that inspired my own wish to write a book. A quick look at the places mentioned in 'Dovecots of Cambridgeshire' and 'Curiosities of Rural Cambridgeshire' told me there was scope for expantion and investigation. Many of the sites have been redeveloped I had an interest in seeing what had changed. With the development of the internet since Peter (Grandad!) did his initioal research I had a head start with a few items, notably locations and the oportunity to track down local people who may be able to help.