Artist Lydia Wood is on a remarkable mission to draw every pub in London. With 300 completed and 2,500 left, her project reflects not only the charm of these establishments but also the pressing issues they face in the current housing market.
Art Amidst Adversity: Lydia Wood’s Quest to Capture Every London Pub
Art Amidst Adversity: Lydia Wood’s Quest to Capture Every London Pub
Lydia Wood embarks on an artistic journey to document London's pubs, highlighting their cultural significance amid rising challenges.
In a vibrant corner of southeast London, a dedicated artist, Lydia Wood, is committed to an ambitious undertaking: drawing every pub in the city. On a recent Wednesday morning, she set her easel beside The Lord Clyde, a pub nestled in Southwark, determined to capture its essence on paper. Her quest reflects the lived experiences of these crucial social hubs as they face mounting challenges.
The 31-year-old has already completed around 300 drawings and has her sights set on the remaining 2,500 - a staggering number that represents just a fraction of London's rich pub culture, documented through data from the consultancy firm CGA by NIQ. Each sketch takes at least an hour of focused work, a time during which passers-by often stop to admire and encourage her efforts.
Wood describes herself as a “pub person” and typically selects her drawing locations based on instinct and chance, which allows her to explore different neighborhoods across the city. However, the project serves a greater purpose beyond mere artistic expression; it offers insight into the struggles of pubs in a metropolis grappling with rising rents and socio-economic changes.
Through her art, Wood not only preserves the visual memory of these establishments but also raises awareness about their uncertain futures. As she moves from one pub to another, she becomes part of a community narrative, capturing more than just buildings—she encapsulates stories of camaraderie, local identity, and the challenges they face in a rapidly changing urban landscape.
In the wake of economic pressures, her work serves as a reminder of the unique role pubs play in London’s social fabric, marking the importance of supporting such spaces as we look toward a sustainable future for communal life.
