10/07/2026
Alfred:
Behind Sailability
Artist and our volunteer for three years, Alfred used to have his own boats. The last boat he had for seven years and sailed extensively on the continent. He initially trained as an artist at Eastbourne School of Art and later specialised in theatre design at the Central School in London.
If the wind were a person, what kind of person would it be?
— He is strong, very physical, likes to test you out at times, see if he can catch you out.
What’s your guilty pleasure at Tideway Sailability?
— To be working hard. I've only had one bad day, and that was when it really rained all day long, and I got soaked and cold.
What do you think other volunteers would never guess about you?
— They didn't know for ages that I was a transvestite. They found out at the Christmas party: we went sailing in the morning and after we stopped sailing, I went to the men's room and changed for the party. I received six compliments — one lady even asked if she could have a photograph with me.
By the way, Alfred revealed he was a transvestite at a joint art exhibition with his wife Anita Ford in 2017. The exhibition was called “Quiet Monster” and explored her terminal cancer and his long-kept secret.
This feels like a unique story of artistic expression, personal identity, deep partnership and genuine acceptance.
P.S.
The next photo in this gallery shows Alfred’s large canvas about cross-dressing. More artworks on alfredhuckett.com
