Priory Park Museum

So pleased to read about Hoy collection of birds. I used to sketch birds there every week, starting with the osprey in 1959. I made many more drawings of the birds there before I started work at London Zoo in 1963. I phoned the curator who told me the birds are in store in Priory Park. Love to see them again. I have continued to paint many more birds and other subjects ever since, having travelled to Africa, Israel, North America and much of Europe. I also have done portraits of over one thousand celebrities, the subjects having very kindly endorsed them for me as well as occasionally asking for commissions. That is a very long-winded way way of saying that I was born and lived in Southend for 23 years, and I think that inside me there is still a young man of Southend who would like to go back there. Please look me up on the internet. Peter John Levi.

I looked you up on the internet - what a full and interesting life! Pleased to make your acquaintance. I used to be fascinated with the Hoy collection as a child in the 1950s. I believe it is stored at Southend Museum now. Its a shame they can't display it, but perhaps its too moth-eaten now! Regards Pamela-Jeanetta Bird-Gaines