Helen has written Rock Pools and Sunshine, the biography of Dorothea Sharp, published by Sessions of York, the Ebor Press.

A book launch and exhibition of Dorothea Sharp’s paintings will be held from June 3-29 at Hever Castle, Hever, Kent.

Dorothea Sharp (1873-1955) was one of England’s finest Impressionist artists and her work is as popular now as it was during her life.

The writing of her biography began by chance after Helen, soon after the birth of her sixth child in 1989, first saw Dorothea’s paintings at Hever Castle.

“I was overwhelmed by the happy, colourful, sunny beach scenes of children, and curious about the artist’s life,” said Helen. “Asking later at a London bookshop for her biography, the reply came that there isn’t one...yet.

“This then was the challenge which set my family and me on an adventure introducing us to many delightful people.

“My family has been a tremendous help and support and Ed Stuart of Radio 2’s Where are They Now? read out my letter over the air and traced Dorothea’s friends, and Sotheby’s introduced me to her relatives.”

Dorothea’s fascinating life is revealed for the first time and Helen discovered facts of which even her relatives were previously unaware.

It seems appropriate that it was at Hever Castle that Helen first saw Dorothea’s paintings and it is due to their generosity that this first major, posthumous exhibition of Dorothea Sharp’s paintings is to be held, combined with the launch of the biography.

The cover of the book has been designed by Entyce Creative Ltd, of which Helen’s daughter, Libby, is Managing Director.

If you would like to buy a copy of Rock Pools and Sunshine, pictured above, from June 3 onwards, contact Entyce Creative Ltd on 01732 865224.

Alternatively, you can visit the exhibition at Hever Castle!