Paul Bordiss | Gallery

“Homethoughts, from Abroad”

I didn't know Clifford personally but, whilst working as Warehouse foreman for Marks & Spencer (1980-1989) I used to regularly see him and his wife when handing over their shopping at the ‘collect by car service’. To be honest I didn't know his music then. It wasn't until 3 years ago, when Terry Wogan seemed to play “Hoemthoughts from Abroad” almost daily on Radio 2, that I have become a real fan!

This exhibition came about when I was sitting in my hotel room in San Francisco in February 2005 and my thoughts turned to home. The hustle and bustle of the city was all a bit alien to me. I thought of hot Summer days in Worcestershire, harvest time and folk festival, of which I am an avid go‘er. All the things that sum up living in rural England and, in particular, Worcestershire.

Now I know that Cliffords song is about lost love! But I think it is also about missing home and all that's familiar to someone. It's quite obvious to me that Clifford was also passionate about England and his home county.

“How is Worcestershire? Is it still the same between us?” are, I'm sure, the words that strike a chord with many people, especially those who live in the county. Cliffords inspiration for the song was Robert Brownings poem of the same name, so the paintings are relevant to this also.

Paul

For more information about Clifford T. Ward and his music visit The Friends of Clifford T. Ward website

www.cliffordtward.info