This is the first issue of our new magazine feature. The article contributors are members of the public who have views which may differ from our own but deserve to be heard.

MR DICE - PRESTON writes - "I have been on the lookout for a piece of contemporary art for over a year now. True I managed to pick up a couple of gems unfortunately both on the small size. Most small city galleries seem to carry the same dull unimaginative prints priced higher than some originals of superior quality (to my eyes.) Most of the London art fairs show similar work to each other, the quality is high but large pieces are scarce.

Naturally we contacted Mr Dice a discussed his requirements. After several weeks of deliberating, Mr Dice is now the proud owner of a large canvas original by Robin Mullen which was installed in his very tastefully furnished apartment.

Recently I heard a comment stating that there are more practicing artists in London than ever. This maybe so, however in this instance quantity definitely does not assure quality. Poorly finished work is on show everywhere - at one gallery a young smartly dressed salesperson commented that the stretcher support bars on a canvas costing £1500 looked substandard and for a cost of £100 they would be happy to replace them for me. How generous I thought, at the same time could they fix the tear in the wafer thin canvas to prevent the light from shining through!