Living life to the maximum in a minimal space

Jan 25 2007 by Debbie Johnson, Liverpool Daily Post

Debbie Johnson visits an artist’s home filled with colour and curiosity

"I'M A maximalist, not a minimalist," says artist and poet Peter Corbett, glancing around his home of the past few decades - a flat in historic Gambier Terrace, on Liverpool’s Hope Street.
 
The flat's main living space is indeed full of small treasures - not cluttered, though, more filled with life and colour and curiosity. The objects include peacock feathers; stones and seashells; photos, sculptures, art deco ornaments and, unsurprisingly, artwork. 

Peter - who is enjoying a successful year with paintings on show in four Liverpool galleries, as well as a place at the Florence Bienniale, in December - adds: "As an artist, I feel you need that extra stimulation. Each of these items has its own history, its own story to tell. I couldn't bear to live in one of these empty white places."

Peter - who is enjoying a successful year with paintings on show in four Liverpool galleries, as well as a place at the Florence Bienniale, in December - adds: "As an artist, I feel you need that extra stimulation. Each of these items has its own history, its own story to tell. I couldn't bear to live in one of these empty white places."
 
Gambier Terrace, of course, has a proud history of hosting the artistic - former inhabitants include Stuart Sutcliffe, John Lennon and Sam Walsh. 
 
Looking out at the magnificent views of the River Mersey, North Wales, the Liver Birds and, of course, the towers of Liverpool Cathedral, Peter says: "I moved here in the late 1970s, and it was a bit run-down, to say the least. It was black with dirt, there were potholes, and nobody cared. But there is a real creative energy here, something very special, that I think people like Lennon picked up on. It wouldn't be an over-estimation to say that it has kept me sane over the years - being able to stroll into all the wonders of that great city of Liverpool, but be able to retreat to the peace and quiet of here."