Aubrey, who resided in Viaduct Road during the eighties, lived very frugally, but had everything that he considered important. He had a collection of classical records, amongst which were operas sung by various artists, ranging from Jussi Borling, Gigli, and Caruso, to Di Stefano and Lanza. He liked sopranos Vitoria de Los Angeles and Maria Callas. Wagner was also included in his collection. Another interest of his was steam engines. In the eighties, he was the proud owner of a fine working model of The Mallard. In his painting, he was extremely diligent. Fastidious is understating his attitude. As I have said, he was a beautiful writer, a discipline that he thoroughly enjoyed, though I believe he liked even more working on miniature paintings. As an example of his diversity, I once saw him working on an old seascape, an oil painting, which a client had asked him to prepare. All of these he returned to enjoy, after the death of his beloved mother, an event which caused him to temporarily go blind. Aubrey had a sister. I could not say whether she was older or younger. I never met her, or his mother. I only know of them through conversations with Aubrey. He also told me that his father was an acquaintance of Hillaire Belloc.

Outside an auctioned house on Viaduct Road, I came across an old scrapbook. Fascinated, I leafed through it only to discover that it was the work of Aubrey Budd, c.1974. At the time he was obsessed with religious philosophy and the meaning of life. It makes for an engaging document of the man.

Enzo: That is fascinating. He was indeed obsessive. At around that time (1974) on a lowly scale, we had many philosophical discussions. Existentialism was a favourite - of mine anyway since it was the only one I knew anything about. He quoted Nietzsche in discussions about Wagner, and it seems that he had also read Kant. Highly eccentric, as I have said, but a wonderful artist.

I assume from comments here that Aubrey is deceased. I would just like to add that despite his 'eccentricity', he served in a Sussex Regiment during the war, was wounded, and made his escape from the front back through enemy lines. He was, he told me, like many serving with him, totally unsuited to army life. When, after being wounded, he asked permission to return from the front, his superior officer told him the enemy was between him and safety, but if he wished to take his chances... Aubrey made it. I do not know on which Front he served, or whether the limited use of one arm was as a result of a war wound. I just listened. I hope I was of some help to him. R.I.P. old friend.

The notebook also includes prose all beautifully and intrincately worded, and quotes he had sourced and collated over many pages as well as cuttings from newspapers of the day. I am quite unsure what to do with it, he certainly was a very intelligent and inquisitive individual...

Sorry to enter this correspondence late. Aubrey is still very much alive: I saw him today. I'm going to write to him to check whether he's happy to be contacted or at least written about. More later.

Thanks for that uplifting news Catherine.

I look forward to your next post.The notebook is still in my private collection. I am v glad I saved it from the rubbish collection it was amongst.

How nice to know that Aubrey Budd is still with us. He sold me several of his paintings and some were exchanged for work on his collection of decommissioned rifles and hand guns. Does he still wear that old hat?

I, and my brother, have the honour and pleasure of knowing Aubrey and he is indeed very well and contented in a Residential Home in Hove. He is an endless fountain of knowledge and I never tire of listening to his life stories. My brother and I helped to move him from Viaduct Road and it was just amazing what was crammed into that little house. We tried to save all we could and I'm glad that some of the remaining items were saved from outside. What a remarkable man - I do wish somebody would commit his life to paper - what a read it would be. God bless you Aubrey 

I am most delighted that Aubrey is well, and in good hands. I am astonished to learn that he had an interest in weapons. I am sure I must at some time told him that I was once a first class marksman with Bren Gun and Rifle, but I do not recall him mention his interest. However, he was, I am sure, interested in many subjects that he did not discuss with me. As the person who helped him move out will know, apart from the Mallard model, record collection, and artist's paraphernalia, Aubrey also had a large number of old school type blackboards and easels upstairs. He MAY have used them. I did not ask. I hope he has many healthy years ahead.

I'd like to send this message to all of Aubrey's fans to say that he is very much alive and well and living in a care home in the Brighton area. He is still as chirpy as ever and still to this day is producing wonderful sketches, paintings and works of art. If anyone would like to meet him or visit him I know he would be very grateful of the company and would love to meet fellow art enthusiasts and followers of his work. I am in regular contact with Aubrey as activities co-ordinator at the home so please contact me by email to arrange a visit. nickwschofield@hotmail.co.uk

After a short delay (over a year; all my fault, not Aubrey's), here is Aubrey's reply to the original query from Alan Peebles, and afterwards a couple of comments about the other contributions. He wrote this last February though, so he hadn't seen the later additions. Sorry! "There is quite a history re. the painting in question. The original preparatory detailed drawing I drew in ink then added gradated washes, monochromatic, this was approved. Mr Peebles' painting was in processing paints for reproduction, small, approx 5" x 7". [The reproductions were] then placed on sale for some time, proving popular. I have one of these. The next version I painted for the "Cottage Shop" carrier bag; this demanded a BOLD interpretation, brown on deep cream. Thanks to Joe Reid for his kind tributes and to Enzo Marra for his appreciation of some of my Philosophical/Metaphysical writings. I am still painting with the old enthusiasm!" Aubrey Budd 9 February 2011

Aubrey, you once asked me the following question: If a tree falls in an undiscovered forest, and no-one is there to see or hear it, did it really happen? I am still not sure. But you made me think - and smile.