An extract from the show:
‘One more?
Oh, go on then!’
Another round? A conversation as old as pubs themselves.
In research for this exhibition I read that ‘every pub is somebody’s local’. It’s their space to be welcomed and recognised, to hide in the corner with a good book, play games with a friend or slip their dog crisps under the table. These communal spaces where stories are exchanged, friendships are forged, and time seems to slow down, allow us to simply enjoy human connection.
This exhibition on pub culture celebrates the nostalgia and warmth of one of our most cherished institutions. Whether you’re introducing your newborn, celebrating a life well lived at a wake, popping-in like you do every Friday or accidentally locked yourself out - a good local is a place of community.
I hope this exhibition is like a good pub itself, welcoming and hard to leave as you take in the small details, relating to a piece that takes you back to fond and slightly beer-fuzzy memories. Anyway, I think it’s your round mate.
With special thanks to Leila & John for their encouragement, to Jim for his unwavering support and love (+ the multiple beers he has bought me) and to all the regulars who have shown genuine excitement for this show.
Devon Osborne's take on pub culture in England! A brilliant exhibition originally held from 25th-27th July 2024 in The Swimmer at the Grafton Arms - a pub that Dev worked in for 5 years.
Works included original paintings, gilded mirrors, lino prints, digital prints, and cards. There were also free workshops held.
I searched for (what feels like) a long time for my 'niche', my 'bit' - the thing that I would do and do well. Having a degree in graphic design, and appreciation for beautiful letter forms led to my lovely sing written, gilded mirrors. The oil paintings and everything else is from a genuine deep love and passion for pubs, the ambient noise of those close spaces where not just a pint is valued but the space in which you share memories and scampi fries.
My first few trips to the pub were with my dad as a baby. He was my primary care giver from ages 1-6, which meant that when he went to the pub - so did I. I then spent 10 years working in bars and pubs and now I dip into one or two every week (out of habit, obviously). I love a good pub, I love the community a good pub can make. They say that writers should write about what they know, I recon it's the same with artists. So here we are then, my take on pub culture.