MAY 2011 Sunday 1.5.11 Whilst R delivers the paintings to Rob and Sandra in London, I’m continuing work on a couple of the paintings for the Paris show which is later this month! Monday 2.5.11 It’s a lovely day for Meurig and Rachel’s wedding at Tewkesbury Abbey and their baby daughter Raffi’s baptism. It is the most beautiful setting with the most glorious music. Meurig is the director of Cheltenham’s International Music Festival whilst Rachel coaches two choirs in the county and teaches music. This choir seems to be made up of many of their relations who sing superbly. There is an anthem specially written for the occasion by the composer Michael Zeb Gordon setting words by ee cummings. It’s a beautiful ceremony and baptism; little Raffi is perfectly behaved and Rachel's two sons are charming. The reception is held at the Pump Rooms which is very picturesque when the children play rounders on the grass in front of it with a backdrop of ladies in pretty dresses and hats with interesting men often in light suits. We are delighted to see Graham and Eileen Lockwood who come and join us after the meal for a chat. They are so supportive of all the arts festivals and museums in Cheltenham - Graham is currently chairman of the Holst Birthplace Museum. Tuesday 3.5.11 When I come downstairs Richard surprises me by telling me that the large horse has already arrived and opens the door to the newly cleared (to accommodate him) downstairs studio in the house which has bigger double doors to get him through. There in the centre is a large white beast almost filling the space. Then we’re off to London to inspect the waxes at the Art Bronze Foundry. I’m quite surprised to see the two horses in a more mottled terra cotta wax but the winged man is a deep cerise red and it takes me a moment or two to adjust to this colour. I only really make alterations to one of the horses before we turn round and come back. Wednesday 4.5.11 Finishing works for Paris show Thursday 5.5.11 Ditto Friday 6.5.11 Our lovely friends Robert and Toyah arrive with big boxes of scrumptious cakes and gifts. It’s such a joy to see them both and we pass a couple of hours discussing projects and how we miss Dr Margus. Robert takes photographs or us with the cakes to send to him wishing he was here. Saturday 7.5.11 Start painting big horse Sunday 8.5.11 Ditto Monday 9.5.11 Surprise visit from Ronald, looking very well. Tuesday 10.5.11 Invitation cards arrive from Paris so now the big send out. Wednesday 11.5.11 Ronald rings to say he would be pleased to join Richard on the journey in the big hired van to deliver the works to Paris. There has always been a lot of the adventurer about Ronald. So it will be two men and a horse on the road.. Thursday 12.5. Painting big horse, want him to be more of a mythological beast with something of the primitive Friday 13.5.11 Photographer comes to take photographs of me with the horse for the Echo in response to the Museum’s press release. In the afternoon receive a visit from Aaron and Claire Pott, their two little daughters Tosca and Isolde and Claire’s mother Pat. They bring us a gift of a beautiful bottle of wine which they have made at their own vineyard and winery in the Napa Valley, California, near the top of an extinct volcano. The shape of the bottle, its label and foil are all very beautiful. Aaron who studied and worked in Burgundy and Bordeaux for nineteen years has been passionate about the idea of wine making since the age of nine. Interestingly Claire originally came from Gotherington where her parents still live. A very cultured couple Claire used to work for the British Council in Jerusalem where she worked with a Palestinian theatre group who she later joined. It was the Gotherington connection that made Rick Rumrell, who was on a tour of the vineyards of the Napa Valley, mention that he knew us and we lived nearby. Aaron already knew my work as he said he owned some on the cover of King Crimson music. Saturday 14.5.11 Afternoon in painting studio working on two of the pieces for the Paris show, but the big horse absorbs the evening until 2 am, when spend another hour on paintings. Sunday 15.5.11 Lunch at Beverly and Peter’s. He’s a superb cook and presents everything beautifully. Their guests are lovely, friends they made in Nottingham; Beth a solicitor specialises in children and families and her husband Tony a judge. Professor Clair Chilvers is the new chair of Cheltenham and Gloucester NHS Hospitals Trust, previously of Nottinghamshire. The conversation is lively and ranges from art to the law. Unfortunately we have to leave early as I’d said I would go over to Gloucester to the King’s School to look at the panels the students have been creating for Gloucester railway station. Like all good schools it’s securely locked and we can’t get in until some of the students leave when Fred, a very enthusiastic boy and friend, take us through to the art room where the panels are in progress. The touching thing is that its all being done in their own time. Julie Fowler has been co-ordinating their part of the project. It is very hard for schools to fit it into their timetables unless it is able to become part of their course work. Monday 16.5.11 Big horse Tuesday 17.5.11 We drive up to London to the Art Bronze Foundry to see the bronzes and talk about patination. I’d sent Philip an e mail after my last visit so he had already started the process when we arrived. Using bismuth and potash to give me an idea of how it was going to look. It is quite a shock to see the pieces I had created in grey clay and were then turned into red waxes being so different in hue. The transition is great and I suspect that it takes time to readjust. Philip explains that they will look subtler too after burnishing and waxing. The premises are wonderfully primitive and sculpture-workshop-like though most of the works are locked away in the strong room. Then the long drive home to return to big horse. Wednesday 18.5.11 A lot of correspondence today and sending out more card for the Paris show. When Richard goes down to the post he tries to get a copy of the Gloucestershire Echo but the Post Office and Telco are sold out so he goes out in the car but the garage is sold out too and when he gets to Gotherington it is closed due to a power cut. He then drives on to Teddington Hands where he finds one. I’m up the ladder working on the horse’s head when he returns. He’s got the Echo rolled up and tells me there is a little piece in but when I unfurl it I see that there on the front page is a photograph of the Horse and me. I’m delighted as the Museum will be really pleased they have given it such generous coverage; also in the editorial on page 8. Gloucestershire Media are always so supportive over these projects. Thursday 19.5.11 cheque arrives from Rob Whittle for one of the paintings he sold (at the art fair). A couple of calls from Mikhail at the Hay Hill to discuss if I really need to borrow the paintings from them for Paris, preceded by one from Brian Sinfield saying much the same about the two works Richard is collecting from him this afternoon. Followed in the evening by long call from Gary explaining that they’d had a client in on Friday who is wanting to buy the Dance of Time which again Richard had collected recently. This is the big problem with exhibiting internationally. Alan Loch had also very kindly sent a work back from Toronto; but it has ever been thus. I’m only one person and wouldn’t want to produce more as its the quality and content of the painting that are all important. Gary does suggest that the prices should go up. Friday 20.5.11 BBC2’s Culture Show arrives today with the RA envelope - scary eh! Anya, the cameraman, Laurent and Cherry the continuity girl who went to school in Stroud. They look around for the right place to film me opening it. The suspense is much prolonged by the fact that I’d saved the post so that it could come through the letterbox, which is filmed several times from inside and out when Cherry posts them through, trying to get the one from the RA to land on top. The suspense is made more intense by the fact that I’m going to be seen by millions of people opening the envelope. Anya who is very nice, tells me that the psychologist who makes wonderful works constructed out of carefully cut encyclopaedias, who had also been picked out by Alistair Sooke had got his work in and it was his first time of submitting. I felt really pleased for him though thought it might cut down the odds against The Infant being hung, even though it had been shortlisted. I’m then filmed several times walking into the porch to pick up the post and sitting down with it. Richard who Anya had invited to sit in with me declined the offer. We then find a mug for tea and position me at the right angle for the the camera. GGGGGRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR it’s the dreaded moment as Anya asks me open the envelope. I do so and pull out the contents. The letter reads as follows “Dear Dr PJ Crook, Thank you for entering this year’s Summer Exhibition. With over 11,000 entries, the competition was extremely strong. However I’m delighted to inform you that your works The Infant and Revolution have been selected and hung in the exhibition....” So an inner sigh of relief and that both are in. I think Richard is mildly disappointed as he was hoping that I’d have one or both for the Paris show though very pleased for me especially as it will be televised. Anya and her team seem really nice and sincere in their congratulations and the filming. I have to read the letter very may times and be filmed from over my shoulder as well as from the front. They then go and film more things in the room and the outside of the house. Saturday 21.5.11 R drives up to London to the Art Bronze Foundry to collect the bronzes. Then onto the Hay Hill in Cork Street where he’s gone to collect the three paintings for Paris. When he gets back in the car he phones me and says there’s good news and bad news. The good news is they have sold WEDNESDAY the bad news is we’ve now got another painting less for Paris - so that’s two gone this week as Rob has also just sold another work. R then goes to the Business School to deliver six of his signed prints before the long drive back. Meanwhile I’ve been working on the big Horse and the two new paintings started in January IN THE BEGINNING and JUST THE TICKET. Sunday 22.5.11 Continue with JUST THE TICKET (which like IN THE BEGINNING is in oil) and more to the big Horse. Monday 23.5.11 Paint a pencil on the frame of JUST THE TICKET and further into the light reflected into the frame. R then takes it to the Darkroom to be photographed whilst I work on the big Horse until he returns at the same time as his team of helpers: dear John; Mike from up the Lane; Thomas Lee and his son. One to each leg of the Horse but it’s a bit nerve racking when they lower him both through the large double doors of the sculpture studio and again into the van which Richard had gone to great trouble to find. It had to be tall enough to accommodate the horse and ears and that is about four inches higher than the standard high top van. There were a couple of comments from the helpers doubting that it would fit. There’s a gasp of relief from all when they eventually get the Horse in and it reaches its standing position with about an inch and a half to spare! Then the gallant crew carried all the bubble wrapped paintings into the van where John tied them in very securely. He was there for a good hour after the others doing so. Just as he was about to leave Ronald arrived in readiness to accompany Richard to Paris - two men, three horses and a load of paintings off to cross the Channel! Richard has a snooze for a couple of hours whilst I chat to Ronald before going upstairs to just finish off the last picture. As scheduled they set off at midnight when I wish them Bon Voyage! Tuesday 24.5.11 When I rise there’s a text on my phone from Richard telling me they have reached Dover but I’m getting a bit anxious by half past one that I haven’t heard from them again. So am relieved when I receive a call from Michelle telling me they have just set off from the gallery having been treated to lunch by Alain at the cafe on the corner sitting on the pavement in true Parisian style. Michelle describes them bringing the Horse in from the van with it front legs pulled on a board with wheels. She also comments on the little painting JUST THE TICKET and feels that this is a new direction. Shortly afterwards a phone call from Ronald who still sounds as bright as a button though I don’t think he has really had any sleep - he tells me Richard had a little nap on the ferry. Ronald’s obviously enjoying the adventure and its so nice for Richard having him along. I get various texts en route; R drops him off home in Winchcombe at midnight and is back home shortly afterwards - not bad for 24 hours. Wednesday 25.5.11 Big dilemma of how to get to Paris. I had suggested to Richard some time ago that it would be too much for him to drive there twice in such a short time and today he realises I was right and knows he wouldn’t be capable so books us on the 15.02 Eurostar to Paris from St Pancras. But how to get there is the problem. Trains from Cheltenham are fully booked so R books us on the Oxford Tube a coach that runs every 10 minutes from Oxford but alas when we arrive the car park is full. We drive round and round for about 20 minute then decide there is not option but to drive up to London though we are rather worried about the time. However the journey goes well and we manage to park in the NCP car park adjacent to the station, check in and board on time. Arrive to glorious sunshine in Paris. Taxi to the apartment in the Marais then walk to the gallery to see if we can catch them before they close. They have hung and positioned the exhibition beautifully and placed the big horse on the ground floor sitting on the plinth R had made for them. Alain invites us out to Garches for dinner. He drives his black open top mini with Ivan sitting in the passenger seat and me between R and Michelle sans seat belts in the back. Its beautifully warm and the view of Paris stunning from this wonderful vantage point. The Seine sparkling as we cross over and travel along the Left Bank for much of the journey out to this leafy suburb through the Bois de Boulogne. Their stunning art deco house is even more breath taking than I remembered it, with its topiary trees trimmed by Alain and the little box edged knot-herb-garden. The interior is equally stylish with an Hector Guimard fireplace and tiles in the dining room, marvellous paintings by Mayo who also designed the sets and costumes for ‘Les Enfants du Paradise’; also works by many of the gallery artists including one of mine from 1993. We sit out on the veranda sipping champagne and eating olives and saucissons although Ivan stuck to his vodka. It feels almost timeless as if art dealers and artists have sat sharing food and wine like this for hundreds of years. Thursday 26.5.11 Private view in the evening, very relaxed and laid back. Many delightful French friends who I haven’t seen since my last exhibition. It’s particularly nice that gallery artists like Francine van Hove; Zsako; Ivan Loubinikov; the American John Wellington and Jean-Marc Lange. Alain takes us all out to dinner afterwards. interesting conversations about art and artists, discussions on Bacon, Picasso, Matisse. Quite a lot of powerful egos here. Friday 27.5.11 We’re off to lunch with Mark and Jareck but rather late as we suddenly realise we’re still functioning on English time. What makes things worse is we had planned to change Metro lines at Reumer Sebastapol but the platform for our line was closed for building works so it didn’t stop. We have to travel in a very roundabout way eventually getting back there on another line and off to Alésia. We eventually arrive at their apartment full of wonderful books, prints and paintings, including some charming small ancestral portraits, prints by Picasso and drawings by Cocteau, as well as ‘Henrietta Street’ the painting he bought in 1993 from my second Blondel exhibition. The apartment is packed with books - Marc taught literature at the Sorbonne. A fascinating man whose grandfathers, although they spoke many different languages only had Latin as their common tongue. Jarack who studied biology and psychology has prepared the most delicious lunch; a salad with a yogurt dressing, smoked salmon topped with caviare followed by French cheeses and a berry fruit salad with ice cream. All beautifully presented. Jarack is also a very interesting person, Polish by origin he studied in Paris and is very keen on film; they have special cards whereby they can go to certain cinemas as frequently as they like. In the evening we visit the restored Grand Palais. It looks beautiful glowing pink golden in the late sunshine. We go to see the Odilon Redon exhibition; many of the illustrations are very familiar as oft reproduced. I imagine when most were published to illustrate books such as Edgar Allen Poe’s stories, they will have appeared quite unsettling and disturbing but since through the last century and this, many strange monsters and super heroes have been created, cinematically and digitally too now, some of them make me smile, like the spider with his big smile and his use of the eye like a big air balloon. But its still as evocative of its era, distinctly Redon and has withstood the test of time. We then go to the front of the Grand Palais to see the Anish Kapoor which had been commissioned especially for this location. I don’t usually particularly relate to Kapoor’s work although always admire the skill as they are often highly rendered and a little too polished for me. But this is the most amazing experience. A vast installation quite magical and mysterious in its beauty. We are quite dumfounded and overawed and spend considerable time in the darkness looking up forward and to either side as we wander around its perimeters amongst many young French people who respond with outbreaks of clapping which echo and vibrate through this intriguing space. We feel the sides and are surprised by the material used. Remembering that Kapoor often uses highly polished reflective surfaces we try to work out how it has been created, trying to look for reflections from the flashes of the many phone photos that those inside are taking. Eventually we exit the space and are surprised not to be outside the Grand Palais but within its vast exhibition hall where some years ago I showed at the FIAC with the Blondels. And here is the answer to the conundrum as one sees the outside of this gargantuan piece of work which Kapoor entitles Leviathan. It reaches up almost to the glass roof and spreads its massive body and limbs almost filling this enormous space. Saturday 28.5.11 What joy to greet Pete and Carol when they breeze into the gallery both dressed in white after flying in on a 16 seater from Bristol yesterday; they have already cycled and walked most of Paris and it’s museums! Shortly after they leave Katrina’s brother Jamie and wife arrive with their two little boys then we hear familiar voices it’s Henrietta, Kev, Isaac and Samuel. Four boys of 5,4,3&2 spells mischief and the big horse is the big attraction! so mass exodus to one of the two small parks nearby. Meet Pete and Carol for dinner in Marais after reading bed time stories to I and S. They are such good company it’s a really enjoyable evening; we are so touched that they came. Sunday 29.5.11 Visit Centre Pompidou with H, K,I, and S. Sadly the water gardens with the Tinguely and Niki de Saint Phalle moving sculptures are devoid of water for repairs. But the glass escalators are much enjoyed they also loved the igloo like Debuffet chamber. The collection is wonderful and so well laid out. I think the Peter Doig is new and the dazzling recycled bottle tops etc. African hanging which Henrietta had seen in London. Nathan and Ruth arrive early evening. We were going to baby-sit so that they could all go out together but as kev has caught a cold he elects to stay in so Henrietta joins N,R and us sitting out in the glorious sunshine on the pavement for drinks. We later wander around the Marias to find a restaurant for dinner. A perfect evening topped off with sweets of the streets; Italian ice creams, beautiful and delicious, eaten towards midnight on the walk back to the apartment, such bliss! Monday 30.5.11 We set out and meet Henrietta, Kev and the boys in the little park just past Galerie Alain Blondel. Today we walk through the Marais to Notre Dame which is always a breathtaking sight and point out the gargoyles to Isaac and Samuel. We then cross the river looking at the boats as we do so and walk to the Jardin du Luxembourg which is the most exquisite park. The Senate are in session at the Palace which fronts this glorious Italianate park - it was created for Catherine de Medici who effectively ruled France for about forty years. We sit and have lunch which Kev treats us to at the outside tables. The boys have fun round hiding behind trees and the base of a statue. Nathan and Ruth arrive and join us for coffee before we promenade through the park past the circular lake to the playground. This is particularly exciting for Isaac and Samuel the former pretending that he is two years older to be allowed to partake on a very exciting moving piece that starts out from an elevated platform rather like swinging through the jungle along a curved circuit. The rider has to stand or sit on a small round seat whilst holding onto the vertical rope. Later little Samuel who was most distressed not to be able to go on, rides on one with Isaac, supervised by Nathan. The ground of the whole play area is covered with large thick rubber tiles. Sadly at this point Richard and I have to depart to get back to the apartment in time for the taxi that is arriving to take us to the Gare du Nord. I am rather sad to leave them all here. As we had booked rather late for Eurostar although we are in the same carriage we are fifty seats apart. I take this opportunity to catch up with e mails including arranging with my sister Gill who will be handing in a big submission for a new school that she was commissioned to put together by her County, to meet Richard for lunch at the Academy. Tuesday 31.5.11 London feels considerably colder that Paris - we stay at the Meridian in Piccadilly overnight - but its sunnier in the morning and after breakfast we walk down to the Academy courtyard. I wave to Anya, director of the Culture Show, who is standing on the other side with her camera man. Then join the procession behind the steel band and am delighted when Dawn Sidoli, who I know from the Royal West of England Academy, comes over to walk with me. The church service in St James’ is beautiful and the small choir sing exquisitely. There’s a reading by the President and a very appropriate homily by the Chaplain the Revd Lucy Winket which she has prepared well it is very pertinent to this special service for artists. She mentions too that William Blake was baptised here and the Blake Society founded at St James’ too. The walk back to the Academy seems rather more meandering. The exhibition looks very exciting as I make my way through the galleries. The gallery leading to the Small Weston Room has a large Anselm Keifer which I find particularly interesting as he has a submarine protruding from the painting’s surface in a similar way to some of my 3D works. It’s a very powerful piece and one of the most memorable in the exhibition. My two works Revolution and The Infant are hanging on the same wall, Revolution almost central but elevated so that you can see the underneath of the frame with the figures moving out of the picture, The Infant is further out to the right hand side. Olwyn Bowey who has hung this gallery says (on the information panel ) she has been fairly ruthless this year and weeded out so there are far fewer works hanging and on this wall; the shape the paintings make is almost triangular with the point at the top. I’m delighted as they’ve also made mention of both my works separately on the information panel “....PJ Crook shifts us into urban conflict with a crowd of protesters brandishing banners with slogans like ‘freedom’. She also shows a naked child riding a tiger and guarded by angel flying overhead.” Whilst eating my strawberries and cheese and biscuits and chatting to the wood engraver Jane Lydbury at a tiny tall table designed for standing at, the President Sir Nicholas Grimshaw comes and joins us. He tells us that Christopher le Brun who was the chief hanger has had the walls of this central gallery painted this (beautiful deep brown/green) colour and that for the dinner the table cloths will be the same colour. We discuss his chain and medal - Jane asks if its gold but he says its bronze with gold plate and very heavy whereas the other members have silver which he suspects are probably worth more. He’s a charming man and I tell him that I am one of the artists he thanked in his speech, who had allowed the Culture Show to film their work. Later I spot him sitting quietly contemplating the Anselm Keifer. Also chat to Howard Phipps another fine wood engraver and member of the RWA who asks me about the National Star College; he was one of the many generous artists who kindly donated pieces to the Star Art exhibition I organised at the Gardens Gallery in 2008. I’ve totally lost track of time so finding its after half past two I make my way to meet Richard who is by now outside. My sister had already left. We pop into the Hay Hill Gallery in Cork Street for a chat and they update me on things that are happening there and again say that they need works from me! We are there for about half an hour before we set out on the journey home. Back in time for Richard to collect my Mum form skittles whilst I start dealing with post and messages etc. I received a lovely e mail from Gina, chairman of the Friends committee of Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum generously saying the would like to reappoint me as President of the Friends for a further three years. I’m really touched.

MAY 2011

Sunday 1.5.11

Whilst R delivers the paintings to Rob and Sandra in London, I’m continuing work on a couple of the paintings for the Paris show which is later this month!

Monday 2.5.11

It’s a lovely day for Meurig and Rachel’s wedding at Tewkesbury Abbey and their baby daughter Raffi’s baptism. It is the most beautiful setting with the most glorious music. Meurig is the director of Cheltenham’s International Music Festival whilst Rachel coaches two choirs in the county and teaches music. This choir seems to be made up of many of their relations who sing superbly. There is an anthem specially written for the occasion by the composer Michael Zeb Gordon setting words by ee cummings. It’s a beautiful ceremony and baptism; little Raffi is perfectly behaved and Rachel's two sons are charming. The reception is held at the Pump Rooms which is very picturesque when the children play rounders on the grass in front of it with a backdrop of ladies in pretty dresses and hats with interesting men often in light suits. We are delighted to see Graham and Eileen Lockwood who come and join us after the meal for a chat. They are so supportive of all the arts festivals and museums in Cheltenham - Graham is currently chairman of the Holst Birthplace Museum.

Tuesday 3.5.11

When I come downstairs Richard surprises me by telling me that the large horse has already arrived and opens the door to the newly cleared (to accommodate him) downstairs studio in the house which has bigger double doors to get him through. There in the centre is a large white beast almost filling the space.

Then we’re off to London to inspect the waxes at the Art Bronze Foundry. I’m quite surprised to see the two horses in a more mottled terra cotta wax but the winged man is a deep cerise red and it takes me a moment or two to adjust to this colour. I only really make alterations to one of the horses before we turn round and come back.

Wednesday 4.5.11

Finishing works for Paris show

Thursday 5.5.11

Ditto

Friday 6.5.11

Our lovely friends Robert and Toyah arrive with big boxes of scrumptious cakes and gifts. It’s such a joy to see them both and we pass a couple of hours discussing projects and how we miss Dr Margus. Robert takes photographs or us with the cakes to send to him wishing he was here.

Saturday 7.5.11

Start painting big horse

Sunday 8.5.11

Ditto

Monday 9.5.11

Surprise visit from Ronald, looking very well.

Tuesday 10.5.11

Invitation cards arrive from Paris so now the big send out.

Wednesday 11.5.11

Ronald rings to say he would be pleased to join Richard on the journey in the big hired van to deliver the works to Paris. There has always been a lot of the adventurer about Ronald. So it will be two men and a horse on the road..

Thursday 12.5.

Painting big horse, want him to be more of a mythological beast with something of the primitive

Friday 13.5.11

Photographer comes to take photographs of me with the horse for the Echo in response to the Museum’s press release.

In the afternoon receive a visit from Aaron and Claire Pott, their two little daughters Tosca and Isolde and Claire’s mother Pat. They bring us a gift of a beautiful bottle of wine which they have made at their own vineyard and winery in the Napa Valley, California, near the top of an extinct volcano. The shape of the bottle, its label and foil are all very beautiful. Aaron who studied and worked in Burgundy and Bordeaux for nineteen years has been passionate about the idea of wine making since the age of nine. Interestingly Claire originally came from Gotherington where her parents still live. A very cultured couple Claire used to work for the British Council in Jerusalem where she worked with a Palestinian theatre group who she later joined. It was the Gotherington connection that made Rick Rumrell, who was on a tour of the vineyards of the Napa Valley, mention that he knew us and we lived nearby. Aaron already knew my work as he said he owned some on the cover of King Crimson music.

Saturday 14.5.11

Afternoon in painting studio working on two of the pieces for the Paris show, but the big horse absorbs the evening until 2 am, when spend another hour on paintings.

Sunday 15.5.11

Lunch at Beverly and Peter’s. He’s a superb cook and presents everything beautifully. Their guests are lovely, friends they made in Nottingham; Beth a solicitor specialises in children and families and her husband Tony a judge. Professor Clair Chilvers is the new chair of Cheltenham and Gloucester NHS Hospitals Trust, previously of Nottinghamshire. The conversation is lively and ranges from art to the law. Unfortunately we have to leave early as I’d said I would go over to Gloucester to the King’s School to look at the panels the students have been creating for Gloucester railway station. Like all good schools it’s securely locked and we can’t get in until some of the students leave when Fred, a very enthusiastic boy and friend, take us through to the art room where the panels are in progress. The touching thing is that its all being done in their own time. Julie Fowler has been co-ordinating their part of the project. It is very hard for schools to fit it into their timetables unless it is able to become part of their course work.

Monday 16.5.11

Big horse

Tuesday 17.5.11

We drive up to London to the Art Bronze Foundry to see the bronzes and talk about patination. I’d sent Philip an e mail after my last visit so he had already started the process when we arrived. Using bismuth and potash to give me an idea of how it was going to look. It is quite a shock to see the pieces I had created in grey clay and were then turned into red waxes being so different in hue. The transition is great and I suspect that it takes time to readjust. Philip explains that they will look subtler too after burnishing and waxing. The premises are wonderfully primitive and sculpture-workshop-like though most of the works are locked away in the strong room.

Then the long drive home to return to big horse.

Wednesday 18.5.11

A lot of correspondence today and sending out more card for the Paris show. When Richard goes down to the post he tries to get a copy of the Gloucestershire Echo but the Post Office and Telco are sold out so he goes out in the car but the garage is sold out too and when he gets to Gotherington it is closed due to a power cut. He then drives on to Teddington Hands where he finds one. I’m up the ladder working on the horse’s head when he returns. He’s got the Echo rolled up and tells me there is a little piece in but when I unfurl it I see that there on the front page is a photograph of the Horse and me. I’m delighted as the Museum will be really pleased they have given it such generous coverage; also in the editorial on page 8. Gloucestershire Media are always so supportive over these projects.

Thursday 19.5.11

cheque arrives from Rob Whittle for one of the paintings he sold (at the art fair). A couple of calls from Mikhail at the Hay Hill to discuss if I really need to borrow the paintings from them for Paris, preceded by one from Brian Sinfield saying much the same about the two works Richard is collecting from him this afternoon. Followed in the evening by long call from Gary explaining that they’d had a client in on Friday who is wanting to buy the Dance of Time which again Richard had collected recently. This is the big problem with exhibiting internationally. Alan Loch had also very kindly sent a work back from Toronto; but it has ever been thus. I’m only one person and wouldn’t want to produce more as its the quality and content of the painting that are all important. Gary does suggest that the prices should go up.

Friday 20.5.11

BBC2’s Culture Show arrives today with the RA envelope - scary eh! Anya, the cameraman, Laurent and Cherry the continuity girl who went to school in Stroud. They look around for the right place to film me opening it. The suspense is much prolonged by the fact that I’d saved the post so that it could come through the letterbox, which is filmed several times from inside and out when Cherry posts them through, trying to get the one from the RA to land on top. The suspense is made more intense by the fact that I’m going to be seen by millions of people opening the envelope. Anya who is very nice, tells me that the psychologist who makes wonderful works constructed out of carefully cut encyclopaedias, who had also been picked out by Alistair Sooke had got his work in and it was his first time of submitting. I felt really pleased for him though thought it might cut down the odds against The Infant being hung, even though it had been shortlisted. I’m then filmed several times walking into the porch to pick up the post and sitting down with it. Richard who Anya had invited to sit in with me declined the offer. We then find a mug for tea and position me at the right angle for the the camera. GGGGGRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR it’s the dreaded moment as Anya asks me open the envelope. I do so and pull out the contents. The letter reads as follows “Dear Dr PJ Crook, Thank you for entering this year’s Summer Exhibition. With over 11,000 entries, the competition was extremely strong. However I’m delighted to inform you that your works The Infant and Revolution have been selected and hung in the exhibition....” So an inner sigh of relief and that both are in. I think Richard is mildly disappointed as he was hoping that I’d have one or both for the Paris show though very pleased for me especially as it will be televised. Anya and her team seem really nice and sincere in their congratulations and the filming. I have to read the letter very may times and be filmed from over my shoulder as well as from the front. They then go and film more things in the room and the outside of the house.

Saturday 21.5.11

R drives up to London to the Art Bronze Foundry to collect the bronzes. Then onto the Hay Hill in Cork Street where he’s gone to collect the three paintings for Paris. When he gets back in the car he phones me and says there’s good news and bad news. The good news is they have sold WEDNESDAY the bad news is we’ve now got another painting less for Paris - so that’s two gone this week as Rob has also just sold another work. R then goes to the Business School to deliver six of his signed prints before the long drive back. Meanwhile I’ve been working on the big Horse and the two new paintings started in January IN THE BEGINNING and JUST THE TICKET.

Sunday 22.5.11

Continue with JUST THE TICKET (which like IN THE BEGINNING is in oil) and more to the big Horse.

Monday 23.5.11

Paint a pencil on the frame of JUST THE TICKET and further into the light reflected into the frame. R then takes it to the Darkroom to be photographed whilst I work on the big Horse until he returns at the same time as his team of helpers: dear John; Mike from up the Lane; Thomas Lee and his son. One to each leg of the Horse but it’s a bit nerve racking when they lower him both through the large double doors of the sculpture studio and again into the van which Richard had gone to great trouble to find. It had to be tall enough to accommodate the horse and ears and that is about four inches higher than the standard high top van. There were a couple of comments from the helpers doubting that it would fit. There’s a gasp of relief from all when they eventually get the Horse in and it reaches its standing position with about an inch and a half to spare! Then the gallant crew carried all the bubble wrapped paintings into the van where John tied them in very securely. He was there for a good hour after the others doing so. Just as he was about to leave Ronald arrived in readiness to accompany Richard to Paris - two men, three horses and a load of paintings off to cross the Channel! Richard has a snooze for a couple of hours whilst I chat to Ronald before going upstairs to just finish off the last picture. As scheduled they set off at midnight when I wish them Bon Voyage!

Tuesday 24.5.11

When I rise there’s a text on my phone from Richard telling me they have reached Dover but I’m getting a bit anxious by half past one that I haven’t heard from them again. So am relieved when I receive a call from Michelle telling me they have just set off from the gallery having been treated to lunch by Alain at the cafe on the corner sitting on the pavement in true Parisian style. Michelle describes them bringing the Horse in from the van with it front legs pulled on a board with wheels. She also comments on the little painting JUST THE TICKET and feels that this is a new direction. Shortly afterwards a phone call from Ronald who still sounds as bright as a button though I don’t think he has really had any sleep - he tells me Richard had a little nap on the ferry. Ronald’s obviously enjoying the adventure and its so nice for Richard having him along. I get various texts en route; R drops him off home in Winchcombe at midnight and is back home shortly afterwards - not bad for 24 hours.

Wednesday 25.5.11

Big dilemma of how to get to Paris. I had suggested to Richard some time ago that it would be too much for him to drive there twice in such a short time and today he realises I was right and knows he wouldn’t be capable so books us on the 15.02 Eurostar to Paris from St Pancras. But how to get there is the problem. Trains from Cheltenham are fully booked so R books us on the Oxford Tube a coach that runs every 10 minutes from Oxford but alas when we arrive the car park is full. We drive round and round for about 20 minute then decide there is not option but to drive up to London though we are rather worried about the time. However the journey goes well and we manage to park in the NCP car park adjacent to the station, check in and board on time. Arrive to glorious sunshine in Paris. Taxi to the apartment in the Marais then walk to the gallery to see if we can catch them before they close. They have hung and positioned the exhibition beautifully and placed the big horse on the ground floor sitting on the plinth R had made for them.

Alain invites us out to Garches for dinner. He drives his black open top mini with Ivan sitting in the passenger seat and me between R and Michelle sans seat belts in the back. Its beautifully warm and the view of Paris stunning from this wonderful vantage point. The Seine sparkling as we cross over and travel along the Left Bank for much of the journey out to this leafy suburb through the Bois de Boulogne. Their stunning art deco house is even more breath taking than I remembered it, with its topiary trees trimmed by Alain and the little box edged knot-herb-garden. The interior is equally stylish with an Hector Guimard fireplace and tiles in the dining room, marvellous paintings by Mayo who also designed the sets and costumes for ‘Les Enfants du Paradise’; also works by many of the gallery artists including one of mine from 1993. We sit out on the veranda sipping champagne and eating olives and saucissons although Ivan stuck to his vodka. It feels almost timeless as if art dealers and artists have sat sharing food and wine like this for hundreds of years.

Thursday 26.5.11

Private view in the evening, very relaxed and laid back. Many delightful French friends who I haven’t seen since my last exhibition. It’s particularly nice that gallery artists like Francine van Hove; Zsako; Ivan Loubinikov; the American John Wellington and Jean-Marc Lange. Alain takes us all out to dinner afterwards. interesting conversations about art and artists, discussions on Bacon, Picasso, Matisse. Quite a lot of powerful egos here.

Friday 27.5.11

We’re off to lunch with Mark and Jareck but rather late as we suddenly realise we’re still functioning on English time. What makes things worse is we had planned to change Metro lines at Reumer Sebastapol but the platform for our line was closed for building works so it didn’t stop. We have to travel in a very roundabout way eventually getting back there on another line and off to Alésia. We eventually arrive at their apartment full of wonderful books, prints and paintings, including some charming small ancestral portraits, prints by Picasso and drawings by Cocteau, as well as ‘Henrietta Street’ the painting he bought in 1993 from my second Blondel exhibition. The apartment is packed with books - Marc taught literature at the Sorbonne. A fascinating man whose grandfathers, although they spoke many different languages only had Latin as their common tongue. Jarack who studied biology and psychology has prepared the most delicious lunch; a salad with a yogurt dressing, smoked salmon topped with caviare followed by French cheeses and a berry fruit salad with ice cream. All beautifully presented. Jarack is also a very interesting person, Polish by origin he studied in Paris and is very keen on film; they have special cards whereby they can go to certain cinemas as frequently as they like.

In the evening we visit the restored Grand Palais. It looks beautiful glowing pink golden in the late sunshine. We go to see the Odilon Redon exhibition; many of the illustrations are very familiar as oft reproduced. I imagine when most were published to illustrate books such as Edgar Allen Poe’s stories, they will have appeared quite unsettling and disturbing but since through the last century and this, many strange monsters and super heroes have been created, cinematically and digitally too now, some of them make me smile, like the spider with his big smile and his use of the eye like a big air balloon. But its still as evocative of its era, distinctly Redon and has withstood the test of time. We then go to the front of the Grand Palais to see the Anish Kapoor which had been commissioned especially for this location. I don’t usually particularly relate to Kapoor’s work although always admire the skill as they are often highly rendered and a little too polished for me. But this is the most amazing experience. A vast installation quite magical and mysterious in its beauty. We are quite dumfounded and overawed and spend considerable time in the darkness looking up forward and to either side as we wander around its perimeters amongst many young French people who respond with outbreaks of clapping which echo and vibrate through this intriguing space. We feel the sides and are surprised by the material used. Remembering that Kapoor often uses highly polished reflective surfaces we try to work out how it has been created, trying to look for reflections from the flashes of the many phone photos that those inside are taking. Eventually we exit the space and are surprised not to be outside the Grand Palais but within its vast exhibition hall where some years ago I showed at the FIAC with the Blondels. And here is the answer to the conundrum as one sees the outside of this gargantuan piece of work which Kapoor entitles Leviathan. It reaches up almost to the glass roof and spreads its massive body and limbs almost filling this enormous space.

Saturday 28.5.11

What joy to greet Pete and Carol when they breeze into the gallery both dressed in white after

flying in on a 16 seater from Bristol yesterday; they have already cycled and walked most of Paris and it’s museums! Shortly after they leave Katrina’s brother Jamie and wife arrive with their two little boys then we hear familiar voices it’s Henrietta, Kev, Isaac and Samuel. Four boys of 5,4,3&2 spells mischief and the big horse is the big attraction! so mass exodus to one of the two small parks nearby. Meet Pete and Carol for dinner in Marais after reading bed time stories to I and S. They are such good company it’s a really enjoyable evening; we are so touched that they came.

Sunday 29.5.11

Visit Centre Pompidou with H, K,I, and S. Sadly the water gardens with the Tinguely and Niki de Saint Phalle moving sculptures are devoid of water for repairs. But the glass escalators are much enjoyed they also loved the igloo like Debuffet chamber. The collection is wonderful and so well laid out. I think the Peter Doig is new and the dazzling recycled bottle tops etc. African hanging which Henrietta had seen in London. Nathan and Ruth arrive early evening. We were going to baby-sit so that they could all go out together but as kev has caught a cold he elects to stay in so Henrietta joins N,R and us sitting out in the glorious sunshine on the pavement for drinks. We later wander around the Marias to find a restaurant for dinner. A perfect evening topped off with sweets of the streets; Italian ice creams, beautiful and delicious, eaten towards midnight on the walk back to the apartment, such bliss!

Monday 30.5.11

We set out and meet Henrietta, Kev and the boys in the little park just past Galerie Alain Blondel. Today we walk through the Marais to Notre Dame which is always a breathtaking sight and point out the gargoyles to Isaac and Samuel. We then cross the river looking at the boats as we do so and walk to the Jardin du Luxembourg which is the most exquisite park. The Senate are in session at the Palace which fronts this glorious Italianate park - it was created for Catherine de Medici who effectively ruled France for about forty years. We sit and have lunch which Kev treats us to at the outside tables. The boys have fun round hiding behind trees and the base of a statue. Nathan and Ruth arrive and join us for coffee before we promenade through the park past the circular lake to the playground. This is particularly exciting for Isaac and Samuel the former pretending that he is two years older to be allowed to partake on a very exciting moving piece that starts out from an elevated platform rather like swinging through the jungle along a curved circuit. The rider has to stand or sit on a small round seat whilst holding onto the vertical rope. Later little Samuel who was most distressed not to be able to go on, rides on one with Isaac, supervised by Nathan. The ground of the whole play area is covered with large thick rubber tiles. Sadly at this point Richard and I have to depart to get back to the apartment in time for the taxi that is arriving to take us to the Gare du Nord. I am rather sad to leave them all here. As we had booked rather late for Eurostar although we are in the same carriage we are fifty seats apart. I take this opportunity to catch up with e mails including arranging with my sister Gill who will be handing in a big submission for a new school that she was commissioned to put together by her County, to meet Richard for lunch at the Academy.

Tuesday 31.5.11

London feels considerably colder that Paris - we stay at the Meridian in Piccadilly overnight - but its sunnier in the morning and after breakfast we walk down to the Academy courtyard. I wave to Anya, director of the Culture Show, who is standing on the other side with her camera man. Then join the procession behind the steel band and am delighted when Dawn Sidoli, who I know from the Royal West of England Academy, comes over to walk with me. The church service in St James’ is beautiful and the small choir sing exquisitely. There’s a reading by the President and a very appropriate homily by the Chaplain the Revd Lucy Winket which she has prepared well it is very pertinent to this special service for artists. She mentions too that William Blake was baptised here and the Blake Society founded at St James’ too. The walk back to the Academy seems rather more meandering. The exhibition looks very exciting as I make my way through the galleries. The gallery leading to the Small Weston Room has a large Anselm Keifer which I find particularly interesting as he has a submarine protruding from the painting’s surface in a similar way to some of my 3D works. It’s a very powerful piece and one of the most memorable in the exhibition. My two works Revolution and The Infant are hanging on the same wall, Revolution almost central but elevated so that you can see the underneath of the frame with the figures moving out of the picture, The Infant is further out to the right hand side. Olwyn Bowey who has hung this gallery says (on the information panel ) she has been fairly ruthless this year and weeded out so there are far fewer works hanging and on this wall; the shape the paintings make is almost triangular with the point at the top. I’m delighted as they’ve also made mention of both my works separately on the information panel “....PJ Crook shifts us into urban conflict with a crowd of protesters brandishing banners with slogans like ‘freedom’. She also shows a naked child riding a tiger and guarded by angel flying overhead.”

Whilst eating my strawberries and cheese and biscuits and chatting to the wood engraver Jane Lydbury at a tiny tall table designed for standing at, the President Sir Nicholas Grimshaw comes and joins us. He tells us that Christopher le Brun who was the chief hanger has had the walls of this central gallery painted this (beautiful deep brown/green) colour and that for the dinner the table cloths will be the same colour. We discuss his chain and medal - Jane asks if its gold but he says its bronze with gold plate and very heavy whereas the other members have silver which he suspects are probably worth more. He’s a charming man and I tell him that I am one of the artists he thanked in his speech, who had allowed the Culture Show to film their work. Later I spot him sitting quietly contemplating the Anselm Keifer. Also chat to Howard Phipps another fine wood engraver and member of the RWA who asks me about the National Star College; he was one of the many generous artists who kindly donated pieces to the Star Art exhibition I organised at the Gardens Gallery in 2008. I’ve totally lost track of time so finding its after half past two I make my way to meet Richard who is by now outside. My sister had already left.

We pop into the Hay Hill Gallery in Cork Street for a chat and they update me on things that are happening there and again say that they need works from me! We are there for about half an hour before we set out on the journey home. Back in time for Richard to collect my Mum form skittles whilst I start dealing with post and messages etc.

I received a lovely e mail from Gina, chairman of the Friends committee of Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum generously saying the would like to reappoint me as President of the Friends for a further three years. I’m really touched.