In the early eighties, Art Schools were being closed down, as well as merged, and the value of art education was being generally questioned. The government lacked the vision to recognise the long term importance of Britain`s creative resources to the country, never imagining that it might even become the equivalent of Britain`s North Sea Oil for the 21st century. I had started working with most of the artists of my gallery when they were still at art school or shortly after, and, over the years, had been a regular visitor to degree courses UK wide. It was clear to me that, currently, British creative talent was at a high point, and I decided to showcase works by recent arts graduates at the Barbican, getting agreement from Education Minister Baker that once I had assembled the talent, he would come and check it out. (Although, irritatingly, he made his excuses when the time came). I selected the work for the exhibition following visits to 40 Art Schools, as well as to numerous studios of recent graduates. The ideals of Fresh Art ensured it received enormous publicity, and as a result of it`s success (and, unexpected to me, the demand of the many art student visitors) I persuaded my good friend Andrew Morris (CEO of London`s Business Design Centre) to make Fresh Art a regular Showcase at his popular fair venue. First, we had a meeting with the Heads of Fine Art from most of the UK`s Art Schools. Interestingly, they told Andrew and I that they would like to participate in such an event, provided Nicholas Treadwell was not associated with it. Andrew was very upset, but I could understand it, since I would have liked to organise an annual Fresh Art without their involvement!
