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In September 2008 I was contacted by a London-based artist named Linda Sutton who told me she had "been invited to create one or two paintings on the theme of the lost heritage of Cyprus. The theme is quite broad. The paintings will be in an exhibition in Hampstead at Gallery K in February 2009 and then the show moves to a gallery in Nicosia."

Linda added "I feel very inspired by Michael Bird's series The Aphrodite Inheritance and hope to create something strong and magical. I remember the series in 1979 when it was televised, but missed one or two of them, unfortunately, as in those days we didn't record in our homes. I am re-reading the book, but should like to see the TV series afresh."

I was delighted to help her track down a copy. And Linda was as good as her word sending me photographs of the finished paintings.

The exhibition started in London in February 2009, then travels to Cyprus and Athens. Linda tells me that a study of one of the paintings is now hanging in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2009. It was inspired by Brian Blessed, Alexandra Bastedo and Stefan Gryff in the swimming-pool scene. The painting sold before the show opened to the public, but a limited edition giclee print of it, on archival paper, is available directly from the artist. It is priced at £60 + postage and packing.

After sending me the pictures Linda said:"I just realised 2009 will be the 30th anniversary of the BBC screening of Aphrodite. Also Olive Bird's maiden name, being "Dove" is very apt, as Aphrodite's bird is a dove and the goddess was said to often turn herself into one."