Who we are

Julian Fellowes is the publically acclaimed and award winning screenwriter, film director, actor and novelist best known in recent years for his original script for the award winning film, Gosford Park, and television period drama, Downton Abbey. From 1959 to 1988 he lived in Chiddingly village and through friendship with another resident, David Kingsley who was at the time Head of British Lion Films, first developed his interest in the film industry. While in Chiddingly he and his family became close friends with Lee Miller and Roland Penrose and he was a frequent visitor to Farley Farm House.

Antony Penrose, son of Roland Penrose and Lee Miller, is Director of the Lee Miller Archive and The Roland Penrose Collection which are housed at Farley Farm House where Antony grew up. He has written numerous books including two for children, created and performed two plays and lectured and broadcast extensively in the UK and in many other countries on the subject of his parents and their associates. He is also a curator of photography, filmmaker and artist.

Mark Barratt is a commercial lawyer working in a local firm of solicitors, Fitzhugh Gates, and has been based in Sussex for his whole working life. He has a keen interest in the arts and was involved in the formation of the Farley Arts Trust and is a former Chairman of the Lewes Festival. An exhibition of Lee Millers’ wartime photographs was featured during his chairmanship.

Rosemary Colebourn has extensive experience in secondary education at senior management level including the post of South East Co-ordinator for the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust where she worked with Head Teachers across all arts specialisms running conferences and training events. She is a practising musician and enjoys keeping up with visual and performing arts events throughout the region.

Sylvia Tidy has lived and farmed in East Sussex for over fifty years and is a Board Member of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest demonstrating her commitment to the welfare of the land and environment. She served as a Wealden District Councillor from 1995 and since 2005 has been a County Councillor for East Sussex where her responsibilities include being Lead Member for Children and Families. She has a keen interest in music and the arts generally and sings in a local choir.