Here, I feature a walking and painting video of Hampstead in London. I have painted Hampstead a few times before—it’s a lovely place, and I thought it would be well worth making a video. I hpe you enjoy it.
A painting of Hampstead Heath tube station
In my painting of Heath Street you can see the Hampstead Northern Line Underground station to the right. This was fine era for Underground and railway architecture. These Northern Line stations were designed by Leslie William Green. He brought in the wonderful ‘oxblood’ tiles and semi circular windows indicative of many of the best Underground stations.
Unlike today, they were built at a time when railway architecture wanted to make a unique statement. These stations are very ‘London’. Sadly Green died just a year after the completion of Hampstead Station.
I love these stations, and whenever I’m asked to do a London commission I always add an underground station if I can.
A painting of Holly Walk
My second painting is of Holly Walk. Holly Walk is a small almost country lane tucked away off the beaten track from the main streets. I can attest to this being tucked away as I got lost a few times finding it.
While I was wandering about, I passed the site of the famous painting: “Roadworks on Heath Street in Hampstead” by Ford Madox Brown. The site is more or less the same as it was in 1865 when it was painted. I know this because I passed it twice whilst lost.
At the top of the hill you can look out to the St John-at-Hampstead parish church and the skyline beyond.
To the left in my painting you can see another church. This small catholic church was originally a residential house though became a church in 1816. It was set up by French refugees with AbbéJean Jacques Morel (1766-1852) at their head fleeing persecution from the French Revolution and other upheavals.
Interestingly, over 100 years later another refugee, General Charles de Gaulle, the future President of France worshipped in this church during the second world war. London often repeats itself.
The Holly Bush Pub
The Holly Bush is a historic, charming pub tucked away in Hampstead, London. Dating back to the 18th century, this Grade II-listed building exudes character with its wood-paneled interiors, cozy fireplaces, and traditional Georgian architecture.
I was once asked to paint it—a fine job. However, on the day I did paint it, it was bitterly cold. Thankfully, the staff kept me going with free hot coffee, for which I am eternally grateful.
A painting of Flask Walk
Flask Walk is a charming, tucked-away street in Hampstead, London, known for its historic charm and village-like atmosphere. Lined with independent shops, cozy cafés, and an old-fashioned barber, it exudes a timeless appeal.
Flask Walk is a charming, tucked-away street in Hampstead, London, known for its historic charm and village-like atmosphere. Lined with independent shops, cozy cafés, and an old-fashioned barber, it exudes a timeless appeal.
On the day of my visit, there was brisk business at the antique store. They were selling all sorts of items, including glasses, books, a rather charming china duck, and the ubiquitous grandfather clock.
