Above: After 50 years of 'getting ready' Bob Meaton exhibited as Bob Brighton for the first time at Worthing Museum in 1987.

Guestbook comments were mixed. One visitor called it "A waste of ratepayer's money". More promising was the comment from a parent who said: "The baby loved it and kept screaming with delight!".

The 1980s

During the late 70s, through family connections, Bob had become part owner of a property in Lancing. He shared accommodation in the house and did his painting in the garden shed. In 1983 however, Bob was diagnosed as having a heart complaint which meant he had to give up his driving job. His condition was sufficiently serious to make future employment prospects doubtful.

It was a turning point in his life. He recalls thinking: "If I don’t become a full time artist now, I probably never will". So that’s exactly what he did.

His first public show was held at Worthing Museum in 1987. As homage to his birthplace, Bob Meaton exhibited as Bob Brighton - which is the public name he has used ever since.

In 1988 Bob sold his share in the Lancing property, moved into a large, semi-derelict house on the Worthing seafront and began to paint seriously. For the first time in his life he had the money and the space and the time to do it. It was a halcyon period which lasted for 3 years and resulted in some excellent works.

The 1990s