Ned was given his first set of oil paints aged 12, it inspired a life long love of colour. In 1956 he gained a place to study medicine at Trinity College, Cambridge, but after a year he abandoned his studies realising he owned more books on art than on anatomy. In 1960 he enrolled at the Chelsea College of Art, during which time he met and stayed with Cedric Morris and Arthur Lett-Haines at Benton End, Hadleigh, Suffolk. He spent a great deal of time with Lett in the gardens at Benton End, exploring the surreal and anthropomorphic qualities of plants. Ned was particularly taken with their architectural and fleshy forms, and with way flowers can change on the tipping point of their prime. Later, in 1966, he emigrated to New Zealand to teach art and pursue inspiration from the dense, primitive bush. Whilst there he exhibited works in Auckland and Wanganui. Upon his return to England he taught at Queen’s College in Taunton and Ealing College in London. He now resides in the Mendip Hills with his family.
