Lifelong artist to part with hundreds of works

Doris Skipp, 96, from Abbey Dean Residential Home in Barnham is selling the remaining 64 paintings of the many hundreds of works of art she has completed during her lifetime.

"I feel so proud, I've never been famous before," said the spritely artist who took up residence at Abbey Dean when she left her Barnham home of 24 years earlier this year.

"I never ever thought I would have an exhibition of my own and I was worried about my paintings when I came into care," Mrs Skip said.

But now her artwork will take centre stage at a special sale of work and coffee morning in aid of charity tomorrow with charcoal, oils, pastels but mainly watercolours all on sale on the day.

Mrs Skipp first took up painting as a child after winning a diploma at her school.

In the early days much of her art consisted of watercolours but a gift of oils brought a new dimension to her work.

"I just took to it and have done hundreds and hundreds of paintings with many going abroad," added Mrs Skipp

The artist first moved to Bognor Regis when she was in her 30s, later moving to Warburton where she spent 16 years and then on to Barnham.

During her working life Mrs Skipp was a gardener and housekeeper and was also later well known in the area as a dog beautician, clipping poodles for a period of around seven years.

"I felt lonely and decided to move to Barnham to be close to the railway, and shops '“ I was very happy there until I became poorly earlier this year and moved to Abbey Dean where I am so happy."

She brought all her paintings with her, dating back to those she did in the 1970s. Among them are pictures of flowers, animals, scenes, gardens she has visited, seascapes and ships.

Taking place between 10am and 12.30pm all visitors are welcome. Proceeds will be divided between St Wilfrid's Hospice and to buy more artists' materials to enable Mrs Skipp to keep painting.

There will also be a raffle in aid of the hospice.

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