South to South East

• Made in England
• Reading Detectives
• John Akomfrah
• Projects
• Get Creative
• Artists commissions
• Classic poetry moments
• Video Nation

Rolf Harris

From graffiti Rolf-a-roos to the famous White Cliffs of Dover, legendary entertainer and world famous artist Rolf Harris has been busy picking up tips from home grown talent across Kent and Sussex.

Rolf toured the South East for Made in England, where he undertakook a journey of inspiration; visiting places that were new to him to gain a new perspective on England. At the end of the programme Rolf produced a painting influenced by the sites, people and places he encountered on his journey. But were viewers able to tell what inspired him the most?

Talking as he revealed his new painting to his new found friends, Rolf commented: "The view fascinated me with the way it changed. I just wonder what the people I met will think of the painting. Whatever they think I had a ball doing it. I really enjoyed it."

Rolf visited Dover, Margate, Chatham, Cranbrook and Brighton, before unveiling his painting at the Star Gallery in Lewes.

The White Cliffs and Dover Castle

The cliffs were Rolf's first glimpse of England when he arrived here in the 1950s and so this iconic view of the South East sparked special memories for the artist: "There's no denying England is beautiful and an inspiration to writers, composers and artists. The last time I saw the cliffs was 56 years ago in 1952, I'd come from Australia on an Italian liner, got off at Genoa, on to a train to Paris, then onto a train which shunted onto a ferry and the ferry came here and I saw that view. It is such a defining view of England."

The Shell Grotto, Margate

As the fog rolled into the seaside town, Rolf took to the streets to meet some of the younger Margate residents and explore why some feel that the place which once inspired Turner has lost its seaside glamour. His inspiration was really sparked by the town's Shell Grotto, where he met owner Sarah Vickery. She said: "I was brought here every year as a child, it was my special treat. Margate has changed, it's not the same town I remember when I was small. I think Margate is at a bit of a crossroads and I am hoping that in future it will become more like the town I remember."

Describing the grotto as labour of love, Rolf exclaimed: "I've never seen anything like it, you swear you can hear the sea gulls... Could the grotto be the creative force behind my final painting? I’m just not sure yet."

Chatham's Historic Dockyard

Tour guide Stan Dalton, who worked at the yard in its heyday, gave Rolf the history before introducing him to a spectacular view: "It's amazing," commented Rolf on the building's interior, "the back of my legs are all shaky with the realisation of the drop down there. What a building this is. When you think of the history of it all... you see all the straight lines and the way they intersect and from a distance it creates this incredible curve."

He also met 17 year-old Lewis Boundy, from Strood, who is using art to turn his life around. Showing Rolf his own work Lewis explained: "I want to stay out of trouble, I don't want to be given social status or a tag, I just want to be me. If I can keep out of trouble by painting then I'll pick up a pencil and work."

The Romany Life Centre, Cranbrook

You can teach an old artist new tricks when Rolf met Romany Gypsies Henry and Paula Stanford-Elliott. Rolf scrolled for the first time while learning traditional Gypsy caravan painting before singing a Romany song with Henry. Rolf commented: "This place is bursting with art, inspired by the gypsy outdoor way of life... and my first bit of scrolling - what a treat."

Brighton Graffiti Artists and Patcham High School

Finding inspiration from one the country's most famous beaches Rolf commented: "I remember when I first came to Brighton I couldn't imagine how it must be like to try and run across these pebbles and plunge into the water. It is like ice out there, and the pebbles do your ankles in, but what a great place."

And Rolf certainly met his match when he joined world renowned graffiti artists Paul Barlow and Alex Young as they produced their own style of Rolf-a-roo. Rolf had never painted with spray cans before but Paul told Rolf: "Let's make it happen and get you working. Don't be scared."

Rolf also dropped in on youngsters at Patcham High School, who had been putting their personal views of the city on paper to help Rolf decide what his final painting will include: "If I was to paint Brighton what would you want to see?" he asked the pupils. One student told him: "The Pavilion with a kangaroo on top."

After revealing his painting to his new friends Rolf concluded: "I am really pleased, they seem to like it. And it is lovely ending to a couple of just marvellous weeks. I've enjoyed every minute of it."

Skip to top