A TROUBLED but talented pebble artist who died after jumping from the Palace Pier documented his life through a series of online entries and a film.

George Barnett, 39, known as “Dr Geebers the Pebbleman” made a name for himself with giant stone creations on Brighton beach. Some of his most memorable scenes included a piano, a guitar, clowns, seagulls, and a castle.

The work, by the bandstand and the Volks railway station in Madeira Drive, attracted crowds and media attention.

But in 2009 – despite winning praise for his work – he was ordered to move on because camping was prohibited on the beach.

Mr Barnett, originally from Northern Ireland, shared thoughts about his life and work online and in a poignant film about homelessness seven years ago.

In Facebook posts and a blog Mr Barnett said although he was homeless he saw himself as an artist trying to make a living. A walk of the coast of the UK helped him see new perspectives and Brighton beach brought him good luck, he said.

His first blog entry said: “Many homeless people in life hit rock bottom and the only way is up. When I came up with the idea of creating pebble sculptures I knew I had a chance to change my life around for the best.”

In later posts he expressed anger and frustration at difficulties he faced, especially when he contracted Hepatitis C. He admitted battling with drug and alcohol addictions – expressing delight and happiness when he had stayed sober, but voicing disappointment at homeless charities he had come into contact with.

Some of the comments prompted support from fans of his work. Amy Smith said: “I only met you once in Brighton and was so inspired by you and your art.”

Pier visitors saw him fall into the water and called the emergency services at 6pm on Saturday March 7. Coastguard rescue teams found him within 20 minutes and he was later pronounced dead at hospital.

Web designer James Beer unwittingly captured the man’s leap while filming a starling murmuration over the pier. It was only when he reviewed the footage after reading about the death in The Argus that he realised what he had shot.

Mr Beer said: “It is very sad to know he didn’t make it. I am hoping it will help or shed some light on his last movements for the family at least.”

The death, which is not being treated as suspicious, is now being investigated by the coroner’s office. Results of a post mortem said he drowned.

The Argus notified Sussex Police of Mr Beer’s footage and it is now being examined as evidence. The coroner is still trying to get in touch with members of his family.

Documentary followed his rise to fame

A documentary called On Stony Ground told the story of George and Stephen, two homeless alcoholics who made friends on Brighton beach.

The 2008 film followed their rise to fame as pebble artists and in the film Mr Barnett said some of the biggest creations can take 46 hours to make while smaller designs take up to six hours.

He said: “I just started messing around with stones and started making pictures. People went crazy for them and kids love them.”

As a youngster he told the camera he got “mixed up” with the “wrong people” and tried to turn his life around.

Actress and screenwriter Emma Thompson described the film was “rich, meaningful, complete and deeply revealing,” admitting she cried three times during its nine minutes.

Speaking to The Argus yesterday, Brighton-based film maker Rehana Rose Khan, of Ponder Productions, said she was “terribly saddened and shocked” to discover Mr Barnett had died.

She added: “He was a very talented and troubled soul but a harmless, creative individual who was very friendly.”

Helping the homeless

Anyone sleeping rough, or anyone who knows someone living on the street can call Brighton and Hove City Council’s rough sleepers street services team for help.

The team, which can be contacted on 0808 168 0414 or 01273 234010, works with support services and accommodation organisations to help people live independently.

For emergencies out of office hours, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, contact the Brighton and Hove City Council team on 01273 294400, selecting option 2 and then option 1.

Other organisations which can help include The Big Issue, on 01273 724129, the Citizens Advice Bureau, on 0845 120 3710, the Brighton Housing Trust, on 01273 234737, and New Steine Mews Hostel, on 01273 698024 but this is not an exhaustive list.

The Clock Tower Sanctuary provides information, advice and support to homeless people aged between 16 and 25 who are insecurely housed. The charity is based in North Street, Brighton, and can be contacted on 01273 722353.

The First Base Day Centre, in Montpelier Place, Brighton, wants to help people off the streets with medical care,

Tributes paid to a ‘warm, friendly guy’

Flowers in memory of Mr Barnett have been left on the seafront.

Admirers of the pebble artist referred to him as a keen poet and “warm, friendly guy.”

The Love Activists Brighton group, which organise a Friday night run for the homeless, paid tribute and said he was a “friendly chap.”

A message said: “It is very sad. The last time I saw him he was full of great spirit and enthusiasm when talking about doing the grand mission again.”

A member, who asked only to be known as Ree, said the tragic death was the talk of the homeless community and praised recognition for his work.

She said: “A lot of people know who he was and saw his pebble art. It is really nice there is a lot of recognition for him. People will have also seen him performing poetry on the beach.” Iain Chambers said: “This is so very sad.

“Whatever your political persuasions, and whatever you feel about the best way to alleviate homelessness as a society, we are failing those at their lowest ebb.

“Our city has an amazing range of resources and incredibly dedicated people ready to help those in need.

“But the current austerity policies, that are biting deep into social care and stretching those involved in it to breaking point or redundancy, have indisputably led to putting more and more people into desperate situations.”