The Retirement of a Hero

This week saw the retirement of a Ivor Henley, who has been with West Sussex Fire Brigade for 48 years.

We’ll leave it to the BBC (below) to succinctly outline his outstanding career with tributes from many work colleagues and those who he has helped save over the years.

As part of a leaving present from his current crew, I’ve had the privilege to mark the occasion with a painting of his dog “Yogi”. The detail in the piece all represent different aspects of Ivor’s career; Yogi’s wearing Ivor’s original 1972 uniform, putting out one of Ivor’s many fires that he attended, this one being a pub in Ivor’s home town of Burgess Hill.

We thank Ivor for his many years dedicated service and which him and Yogi well in retirement.

BBC drops into the ANTFOX Gallery

Sat outside the gallery one morning and I became aware that someone was behind me.

‘Excuse me Sir, do you mind if we film you for a section putting together for the BBC’s The One Show?’.

‘Not at all', what’s it about?

‘What makes us happy.’

Bemused, ‘If I’m not painting, I’m not happy. The only time I’m happy is when I’m painting .’ was the first thing that came out.

My old favourite is, ‘find something you love and you will never work a day in your life.’ a quote often attributed to Confucius or thereabouts.

Either way, they caught me at a moment of reflection having recently moved into being a full time artist seems to be agreeing with me.

Aired on 27 May 2019 BBC One, The One Show.