22 Sep 2026
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This week: Rosie Elizabeth Barker, a St Albans-based classically trained fine artist who specialises in creating high-quality oil paintings and detailed drawings, with a particular focus on portraiture and still life art. She is taking place in this year’s Herts Open Studios at Kingsbury Barn in St Michael’s village. Find out more here.
Where do you most like to have a picnic in St Albans?
My husband and I live near the Sopwell Nunnery ruins, which is a beautiful picnic spot, and usually much quieter than the main parks. It was one of our go-to places during Covid when we were living in a flat with no garden.
Which three people, living or dead, would be your ideal dinner party guests?
Jane Austen who I would love to bring up to date on today’s societal norms, John Singer Sargent so I could pick his brain about his incredible painting techniques, and naturalist Steve Backshall, for inspiration about exploring the world and interesting animal facts.
What super power would you like to have?
Flight, no question! Imagine being able to fly above all the local traffic, it would save years of your life. Although I would caveat that I would also want to be able to take people with me whilst flying. So maybe flight and super strength.
Dogs or cats?
I really do love all animals; however, I have to say cats. I have two black cats called Iris and Lily who I adore, and I’ve always owned felines. I particularly love that cats live their own independent lives outside of the house, it gives them mystique.
What was your first job?
A good old fashioned paper round! But my subsequent job that was notable was when I worked weekends as Front Of House and Storyteller at the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in Buckinghamshire, it was such a fun job.
What’s your favourite place to have breakfast in St Albans?
Toast is great. I really like that it’s a simple concept done really well. Plus, I think having a whole restaurant based around things on toast is distinctively British.
How long would you survive a zombie apocalypse?
I watch a lot of horror films and this is something my husband and I have discussed several times. I think I’d manage at least a month and maybe much longer depending how quickly I could escape into the countryside.
What’s your favourite hidden gem in the district?
I think the Gorhambury estate is wonderful for walking and cycling, albeit hilly! There’s also a nice pub stop off at The Holly Bush in Potters Crouch.
Where would be your preferred place locally to get married?
We actually got married in May in the Cathedral which was hugely special to us. We also had our reception in St Michael’s Manor, so it was a very local affair.
What’s your favourite St Albans pub?
It’s between Ye Olde Fighting Cocks and The White Lion. Ye Olde Fighting Cocks for the location and space, and the White Lion for the lovely garden.
What was your best subject at school?
Art (unsurprisingly!) Followed by philosophy and ethics.
Photo by Emily Dicks
