In a charming corner of Southwark, London, artist Lydia Wood has embarked on an ambitious project: to draw every pub in the city. Early on a Wednesday morning, she set up her easel outside The Lord Clyde pub, built in 1913, ready to capture its essence. "Oh wow, that’s so good!” praised a passerby, highlighting the public’s interest in her unique endeavor.
At just 31, Wood has already completed around 300 drawings, yet estimates suggest around 2,500 pubs still await her artistic touch. Her approach is intuitive; each day she wanders the city, picking pubs at random to sketch, guided by her passion as a self-described “pub person.” Through her work, she not only creates a visual archive but also confronts the pressing issues facing London’s pubs, from the rising costs of rent to evolving urban landscapes.
As Wood draws, she collects stories, observations, and reflections that provide a unique commentary on the role of pubs in London’s social fabric. Each artwork becomes more than just a visual representation, capturing the heart of communities frequently threatened by changing economic tides. With each stroke of her pencil, Wood's mission serves as an important reminder of the significance of these communal spaces in the nightlife of one of the world's busiest cities.
At just 31, Wood has already completed around 300 drawings, yet estimates suggest around 2,500 pubs still await her artistic touch. Her approach is intuitive; each day she wanders the city, picking pubs at random to sketch, guided by her passion as a self-described “pub person.” Through her work, she not only creates a visual archive but also confronts the pressing issues facing London’s pubs, from the rising costs of rent to evolving urban landscapes.
As Wood draws, she collects stories, observations, and reflections that provide a unique commentary on the role of pubs in London’s social fabric. Each artwork becomes more than just a visual representation, capturing the heart of communities frequently threatened by changing economic tides. With each stroke of her pencil, Wood's mission serves as an important reminder of the significance of these communal spaces in the nightlife of one of the world's busiest cities.
