And now, the late Brian Savory’s stunning handiwork is going under the hammer to raise vital funds for a cause that was close to his heart.
Born in London, he lived with his family in Norwich after relocating to the city in 1966.
There he pained scenes from across East Anglia, including the Norfolk broads and Suffolk villages.
Following the move he worked full time at Norwich City College, where he taught drawing, painting, model-making, design and decorating.
He also loved boats, bridges, churches and windmills and travelled across the UK, Europe and the Middle East.
After his retirement in 1991, he increased his exhibition work and became well-known for his portrayals of Norfolk architecture and countryside, as well as exhibiting work at the Royal Norfolk Show.
And he undertook commissions on a variety of subjects, from portraits of people or animals to science fiction and landscapes.
His son, Keith Savory, 68, said: “Dad produced works of art all his working life.
“My partner, Johanne, is also a painter, and whenever she finished a new piece she’d send him a photo and receive amazingly helpful feedback.
“She says she’ll never paint without thinking of him, and he will always have a place in her heart.”
Brian’s artwork had been stored at home, but now his family are donating 300 pieces to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) to be sold via eBay, in selected shops and at EACH’s new café in Hoveton, near Wroxham.
They range in size and some pieces are framed.
Keith added: “We’re donating this artwork in Dad’s loving memory.
“He was extremely talented but never really promoted his work. It was just something he did for himself, in his spare time, and he called it his therapy.
“He’d spend ages on his drawings and paintings and absolutely loved it.
“EACH is a charity he always supported, so this is what he would have wanted.
“Having brought up two boys, he loved children and felt passionately about supporting those less fortunate.
“He was big in stature and of strength, with a big personality and a big heart.
“We felt strongly that as well as raising funds, it would be great to share his artwork with others. Hopefully it will bring lots of pleasure.”
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His other son, Eric Savoury, said his dad “would approve” of the family’s decision to use his work to raise funds for the charity.
He added: “Dad was fun and funny, kind and caring.
“He was someone people rarely forgot, because of his height but also his warm smile, friendly manner, joviality and ready wit.
“He certainly made an impression on most people he met and had a good memory for all his acquaintances, often remembering most things about them and not just their names.
“Doing what we’re doing is exactly what he would have wanted.”
Brian Savory died on November 25, 2023, aged 92, and is survived by widow Joyce, 93.
His funeral took place at Colney Wood in December 2023 where donations were made in his memory to EACH.
To purchase any of the artworks, visit EACH’s eBay store online.