By Vincent Arthur New. "Born on the 27 April 1906, at Oakville, Bromley Common, he was the son of Frederick William New and his wife Jane Mary New (nee Adams). He moved to Homesdale Road in about November 1914. Attended Bromley County School for Boys from 1916 to 1921. Emigrated to Australia in 1921, returning to Britain in 1925. Enrolled at Bromley and Beckenham Schools of Art in 1929 hoping to become a freelance artist. Because of the depression he was unable to find work, so took a job at Smithfield Market in London. While there he produced a number of drawings of the market. He lodged in Downham and then in Beckenham. He left Smithfield Market in 1930, and married Dorothy Keeler at around the same time. He produced a series of drawings of the Bromley area for the Kentish Times which were eventually brought out as a book" (Borough of Bromley archives catalogue)
