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This watercolour study is 15cm x 20cm, signed and mounted on acid-free card.
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You can buy a limited edition print of the final oil painting here
About Denmark Street
I did this preparation watercolour as the basis for an oil painting. The street is built in the 1680’s on the ground which used to belong to St Giles Hospital for lepers.
In the early 20th century it was known as “Little Tokyo” due to the significant amount of Japanese businesses in the area.
It is, however most famous for its links with the British music industry. from the 50’s became London’s centre for music studios, publishers, and live music venues. Here are a few brief examples of Denmark Streets importance in the British music scene.
- In 1970 Bernie Taupin and Elton John wrote “Your Song”, John’s first hit single, at No. 20 Denmark Street.
- The Sex Pistols lived here for a while, their outside lavatory has a preservation order on it.
- The Bee Gees first album was recorded here.
- In 1964, The Kinks with Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin) on guitar and Jon Lord (later to form Deep Purple) on piano, recorded “You Really Got Me” in one of the basement studios.
Sadly in 2009, Denmark Street was identified in English Heritage’s “Heritage at Risk” register as being at risk in view of the nearby development of rail links. In 2010, Camden London Borough Council identified the street and adjacent properties as a Conservation Area, though of course the developers are never far away. Best get to see it soon.
One comment:
I would LOVE to give this to the actor Tom Burke who is about to play private detective Cormoran Strike on BBC1 later this year, Strike’s office is in Denmark Street!