As the result of a motorbike accident in Switzerland in 1983 Andy Baker lost one arm and suffered complete paralysis in the other arm. He had always been artistic but, with an older brother and sister who were both successful artists, the fear of failure had prevented Andy from following their lead and going to art college. He was working part-time in antique restoration at the time of his accident but after leaving hospital decided to try painting by mouth.

Jeff Astle was born in Nottingham on 2nd December 1973.

When Jeff was 14 months he fell gravely ill and had to stay in hospital until he was 4 years old. When he left the hospital he was a C4 tetraplegic , which means he has no use of his arms or legs.

During the period when he felt better Jeff attended Chailey Heritage Craft School and then went to Lord Mayor Treloar College in Alton Hampshire in 1990 where he studied photography and art for 3 years.

Jeff was originally admitted to the MFPA in 1993 but left for personal reasons in 1998. He has since returned to resume his artistic career as a student with the organization.

Sadly Jeff passed away recently. He will be greatly missed by the Association and his fellow artists.