Village Photo Archive
PHOTOGRAPHIC ARCHIVE
Bishopstone Church
This lovely picture of the church is the work of Ian Richards, who lived in the village for many years.
A message was received from someone living in Vancouver, Canada. It read: “I have just bought a painting of Bishopstone church by Ian Richards…If anyone has any information regarding Ian Richards, I should be grateful for it.”
This plea was answered by an ex-villager who had been a neighbour. Ian Richards lived in Pitts Lane with another artist called Susan French. Many in the village will remember him. Originally from Australia he came to England in 1961 and studied at the Central School of Arts and Crafts in London. He lived in Bishopstone for more than 20 years. Ian had one man shows in London and elsewhere, and was known for his welded metal sculptures as well as his paintings. It is believed this picture dates from the early 1970’s. You may even recognise yourself amongst the church-goers! How this picture came to be in Canada is anyone’s guess.