As time went on, I started to find ways to cope with the volatility and fear. I had come to recognise that having an escape was a huge tool for survival, and so began to build a career out of my art. I learnt to be a picture restorer, spending four days a week in Piccadilly learning the craft. It took me five years, but it was immeasurably rewarding.

Building my career meant I was not reliant on Leo, and could keep hold of my self-esteem. This was especially true in terms of gaining financial independence. Leo had controlled my spending since the very beginning of our marriage, taking all of my money away and putting me on an allowance. It was so liberating not to have to ask Leo’s permission to buy every small item.

My art and restoration work began to be financially fruitful and emotionally beneficial. It gave me independence, and was something to put my energy into, distracting me from life at home.

This is me, working on a copy of a painting for a client. I had to travel to East Sussex to replicate a portrait of Prime Minister Macmillan making his maiden speech in Parliament. I was to change one face in a crowd of 120, keeping the others identical. Each brush stroke had to be the same as the original; it took me 500 hours. I achieved a perfect reproduction, and am still so proud of myself. Moreover, the weeks away gave me such strength, saving me for a time.

My picture now hangs in Parliament.