I had a studio on Parliament Street in Dublin city for 13 years, right at the top of the building with proper north light. It was always an artist’s studio. Before me there were several others: Patrick Collins, Arthur Armstrong. Then I lost the lease. I tried to work at home but we had two kids. It was a bit chaotic.
My daughter came in one day and said, “I see a house is for sale on Arbour Hill [in Stoneybatter]. Why don’t you have a look at it?” So I followed her up. They were looking for £27,000. That was 35 years ago. My parents had died the previous year and I was left about £30,000, so I bought it. The house and yard
