Robert Lenkiewicz (1941-2002) was a man who everyone in the city of Plymouth had an opinion about. bHe was a prolific painter, portraying the lives of people across society. bHe was either loved or loathed, being one of those rare individuals who would always elicit a strong opinion from people.

Born in London in 1941, Lenkiewicz's parents were Jewish refugees from Germany and Poland. bHe spent some years teaching in London, attracting many visitors to his studios. This resulted in the first of a series of different premises converted for the occupancy of vagrant and disturbed people. His ventures created difficulties in an area like Hampstead, where he was asked to leave by the police.

He taught in Cornwall and th...