​​As I begin my journey into painting the world of Alice in Wonderland, it feels only fitting to start with a story close to home one that’s been part of my life for as long as I can remember. This is not 'family legend' this is an historical fact,  that  Alice Liddell was my great, great (and possibly a few more greats) Aunt and was the real-life inspiration for Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.  

A Portrait in the Cellar​
Another spark for this project came from a long-forgotten portrait of Lorina Liddell, Alice’s mother and wife of the then Dean of Christ Church, Oxford. For years, it lay hidden in my uncle’s cellar, placed there by my grandmother—who apparently thought Mrs. Liddell looked a bit too cross to hang on the wall (to be fair, with nine children, who wouldn’t?).

Thankfully, my cousin rescued the portrait and had it professionally restored. The result is striking and beautiful. One thing that caught my eye: she’s surrounded by oranges. It’s a small but intriguing detail. ​

Marmalade Muses
As family stories go, this one is particularly delicious. Lorina Liddell was said to be very fond of marmalade, and she sent her personal recipe down to the local grocer—Frank Cooper—who would go on to found Frank Cooper’s Oxford Marmalade.  Could the oranges in the portrait be a tribute to this? A visual homage to her marmalade legacy? Whether coincidence or coded symbolism, it adds another layer to the work—and my own inspiration.

​The Painting: Falling​
My latest piece, Falling, marks the beginning of a larger body of work inspired by Alice’s descent into Wonderland. It captures that surreal, in-between moment—when she tumbles past bookcases, cupboards, and half-remembered objects into the unknown.

Alice never mentions her mother during the fall, but she does fret about her cat, Dinah—wondering if she’ll miss her—and reflects on what her friends would think if they could see her. That tender homesickness, mixed with the absurdity of Wonderland, creates a strange emotional balance that fascinates me.​​

Earlier this year, in February, I had the joy of traveling to Accra for my son's wedding to a wonderful Ghanaian woman, Venetia. This joyous occassion was so vibrant, colourful, and full of love.

Following the wedding, my husband and I decided to explore more of Ghana and ventured to Elmina on the Cape Coast. It was here that I found incredible inspiration. This bustling small fishing port filled me with creative energy!  I spent my time sketching and painting in watercolors, completely immersed in the sights, sounds, and scents that surrounded me. The grace and dignity of the people carrying their wares on their heads, dressed in the most incredible and colourful garments was a wonderful nsight.

One moment, in particular, stands out. As I was walking along a street, I noticed a woman having her hair styled right there on the street. The scene was so striking and full of life that I stopped immediately to sketch it.  That spontaneous sketch eventually became a oil painting.

Today, I feel honoured that the painting hangs in the Royal West of England Academy (RWA) in Bristol, in their 171st Annual Open Exhinition.  It’s also available for purchase through the RWA's online shop.