Peter Caddy was mesmerised by a rather suave interior designer called Ruurd who was ‘imported’ to help finish the interior of the Universal Hall.

He delivered a mind-boggling ‘vision’ that included fabulously-costly and impractical materials like copper panelling on the outer doors and suede on those giving into the auditorium. I believe that the notorious ‘Titty Pink’ ring beam had ‘come to him’ as more of a magenta hue, but upon delivery looked alarmingly like bubble gum. For the actually quite lovely (because it was warm) plywood ceiling he ‘saw’ midnight purple so that the lights appeared as stars.

Something impelled me to undertake the project of getting this part of his vision actualised in time for the autumn conference that year – one of the ‘80s.

It required a tall scaffold, an undercoat of grey, then the topcoat … and grim determination because we had less than three weeks in which to get it done. I recall working until late in the evenings, and often some kind bod walking in with beer around 8pm which helped sustain us body and soul. Recognition goes to Nandano Medienkunst who painted as stolidly as myself, with the assistance of other drop-in wannabe Michelangelos.

And we were successful in completing the task betimes for the conference.

However, as a footnote, although I find the effect really powerful, part of me misses and regrets the warmth of the plywood. It’s good knowing (and feeling) it’s underneath, quietly holding its own fine energy.