New Book: The Essex Record Office in 70 Documents

I have contributed to a new book, The Essex Record Office in 70 Documents, which has been published to mark 70 years of support for Essex Record Office (ERO) by the Friends of Historic Essex.

The book highlights the extraordinary breadth of the archives at ERO with the aim of inspiring all who read it to visit and discover more at ERO.

All proceeds from sales of the book will go to the Friends of Historic Essex to enable them to continue their support of the work of Essex Record Office.

The book is available to purchase at ERO or via ERO’s online bookshop 

CP - 15th November 2025

Rosemary Rutherford - War Artist and Designer

Museum of Chelmsford, 21st June 2025

I was invited to give a talk at the Museum of Chelmsford on Rosemary Rutherford (1912-1972), a prolific artist who spent much of her life in East Anglia. Rosemary became a Second World War artist, depicting the war at home and abroad, and later a renowned designer of stained-glass windows.

I explored her life and work and discussed the Rutherford Project, which has conserved Rosemary’s artworks at Broomfield Church in Essex.  More details are available in this BBC interview.

The talk was part of the Shifting Perspectives: Exploring Art Together exhibition at the Museum of Chelmsford in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Society and in association with Essex Book Festival.

Rosemary Rutherford: life and works of an extraordinary artist, edited by Naomi Courtenay-Luck with contributions from Ian Mercer, Ros Mercer, Catherine Pearson and Kathy Rouse can be ordered from Broomfield Church. - CP

8th May 2025: 80th Anniversary of VE Day

The 80th Anniversary of VE Day was marked in Chelmsford with World War II exhibition displays in the Shire Hall by Anglia Ruskin University, Broomfield Church, Essex Record Office and the Hylands Estate.

I was invited to give a talk on Chelmsford in the Second World War from the Journals of E.J. Rudsdale at Chelmsford Cathedral on 5th May 2025.

With thanks to Chelmsford For You for organising such a memorable event.

Replica Spitfire outside the Shire Hall, Chelmsford

80th Anniversary of VE Day in Chelmsford by Ronald Hellen