FFFF Monday and Tuesday

Having sorted out the equipment, charged batteries (mechanical and human) and girded loins, we loaded up the poor overworked car and set off for Steyning, an attractive village just north of Brighton, but not over blessed with eateries open on Mondays.

As we prepared to set off on Tuesday morning I discovered that Charles' hat had fallen out of the car the previous evening (apparently my fault of course). Lying as it was on the ground, said headgear had experienced more than a little rain during the night. It was sodden, and the weather still being of an inclement nature, CM wished to keep his head warm and dry. I was not the most popular bunny.

However we decamped to Ditchling and for safety's sake parked the car next to the wonderful little museum in that village. Although the museum is officially closed at present, not only was Hilary (the curator) there, but also a gentleman who was giving a demonstration of the Stanhope press which used to belong to Pepler (dated 1805). Now CM owns miles upon miles of typeset and a couple of presses which will come into their own in the next but however many house renovations, so he was absolutely delighted to be able to see the press in action (as was I actually, it was fascinating) - DAY SAVED!

We also trudged round Ditchling in the wind and the rain getting film and photos for the bio of Brangwyn to be included in FBSG, and even went up to the Jack and Jill windmills where the wind was so strong we nearly got blown away.

Next port of call, Lewes, to interview Martin Eidelberg, Professor Emeritus of Art History, Rutgers University, an expert on all matters Tiffany, and a lovely, lovely man with a great sense of fun (see photo). Not only did he give us lunch and do the agreed Tiffany/Brangwyn/Bing interview but he also talked about the Clara Driscoll book for DRIFTWOOD! (See also Crackers, 13 Janaury 2008) What a STAR!

Followed by a V E R Y L O N G dark, wet drive to London, catching the rush hour traffic. UGH!