You can buy this painting as a limited edition print here
Late last year, I was commissioned to paint The Southwark Tavern in South London. The inspiration for the commission came from the client, who has spent many happy afternoons at the tavern and wanted a pleasant memory to hang on his wall. Naturally, I was more than happy to oblige.
The Southwark Tavern is a traditional Victorian pub, built around 1864. In those days, no expense was spared when setting up a new pub. The building wraps around the corner of Southwark Street and Stoney Street. Teh pub has a lovely honey-coloured London brick façade, peppered with fine stucco decorations around the windows and roof. At ground level, the original brown ceramic tiles can still be found.
The interior of the pub holds a secret of its own. The basement bar is called the Debtors’ Bar. It was named this because the tavern was built on top of an old debtors’ prison. The former cells have been converted into small snugs where you can enjoy a beer. Here you can settle in and be thankful that debtors’ prisons no longer exist.
Painting The Southwark Tavern
For the commission, I began with an initial rough drawing, which the client and I then developed together into the final design. From there, I completed the watercolour painting. I thoroughly enjoyed creating the lively street atmosphere and was very pleased with the result. Thanks to my excellent framer, the piece was delivered to the client in time for Christmas. All’s well that ends well!
A Bit About Borough Market
I have painted this area many times before, and it is always a pleasure to return—especially to the Borough Market. A market has existed here for hundreds of years, although it has been transformed significantly in recent times. It was once a very local market selling the usual everyday essentials. Since then it has evolved into a top-end destination for food lovers and speciality stalls. Today, you will find artisan bread, artisan coffee, and artisan everything else, alongside (of course) organic olives, avocados, and much more.
The Market Porter Pub in Borough Market. You can buy this as a limited edition print here.
Borough Market is a wonderful place to visit at any time of year, but it is at its best during the summer months. You can wander around the stalls to pick up something to eat or visit one of the many restaurants and cafés scattered throughout the surrounding streets and railway arches.
Borough Market. You can buy this painting as a limitied edition print here
If you are ever in London, I highly recommend a visit. It is just a short walk from London Bridge Station—or better still, walk over London Bridge and enjoy the great views along the way. And while you’re there, do pop into The Southwark Tavern.
One comment:
As always I love your paintings with the atmosphere seeping through your use of colour and the little details depicting everyday life. I have visited both these pubs as part of a tour my grown-up son took me on using a Jack Chester Living London book.