Ned Hoskins, painter and founder of the Artist Open Houses, has died at the age of 81. A graduate of the Royal College of Art, Ned’s style evolved into bold, colourful abstracts inspired by the world around him.

In 1981, frustrated by the lack of visual arts in the Brighton Festival, Ned flung open the doors of his home to the public and the Fiveways Open Houses were born. The following year, other local artists began to open their houses and the phenomenon began to grow.

Opening his house and his art to everyone was important to Ned. He believed art is for everybody. He wanted ordinary people to be able to view and own original art. By removing the invisible barriers that kept people out of art galleries and inviting people into his home, Ned brought art to the people.

Ned’s art has sold around the world, but the thing he was most proud of was the legacy of the Artist Open Houses. Ned is sorely missed by his family and friends, but we can all take comfort in knowing that he will continue to be remembered through his art and his legacy of the Artist Open Houses.