This, from 1933 was the home and studio of the artist, John Aldridge.  He is said to have spotted it while on a bicycle ride through the village.  The property dates back to Elizabethan times and a great deal of its history can be found at the Cottage Museum, Great Bardfield, about 100yards along the road.  John Aldridge, apart from working at the house, was a keen gardener and had many plants and flowers brought specially to the house.  Some were imported from the Mediterranean.  We are led to the belief that Fred Mizen was employed for the upkeep of these gardens.  When in 1951, John Aldridge participated in the Festival of Britain, Fred Mizen was invited to produce the Lion and Unicorn for the pavilion of the same name. 

The surrounding villages each had their own specific branch of the arts.  Great Bardfield had artists, Finchingfield had theatrical 'types.'  Others had sculptors and poets.  Some eight artists lived and worked in these beautiful villages and during the early 50s held open studio weeks.  One of these is featured on the front cover of Picture Post. 

Fred Mizen was also prolific in his original work of thatching and one example of this work can be found a mile or so from Great Bardfield on the Saling Road.  It is the old lodge house to the Parkhall Farm Estate.  One chap, whose father was estate manager in the early 50s remembers Fred thatching the roof and teaching him, as a lad, to make corn dollies.