Royal Oak Pub Vauxhall

• Dimensions: 45cmx55cm
• Media: Acrylic paint on canvas
• Year: 1998
• Sold: Yes

Vauxhall has always been an interesting area for me. Historically, it was the location of the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, and there’s still much of that lively energy in the area.

I was working in the antiques trade as a delivery  driver back in 1996-7. It was thirsty work, and I would often stop at a pub on the way home after work. I can’t remember what drew me into the Royal Oak, it was a very hot day I remember, I wanted to escape the sun. Inside an old fella sat in a very warm looking coat while a customer chatted to the publican. Both were Irish. I made a surreptitious rough sketch that became this painting in 1997. The painting on the wall is The Rake’s Progress by William Hogarth 1734, added as a nod to the ghosts of bygone Vauxhall pleasure seekers.