Ardizzone, Edward – Dining Room at the Spread Eagle

DescriptionLithograph – one amongst a series depicting London pubs.By 1939, when these exquisite lithographs were first published*, Ardizzone was already well established as an artist. These works consolidated his reputation as an exceptional illustrator – particularly expert in his portrayal of the human form and, with all its quirks and foibles, in his sensitivity to individual character.Ardizzone loved the locals he frequented. In many ways he was a forerunner of all those who nowadays champion the drinking of real ale, and of the kind of honest traditional English pub which serves it. He did much of his creative thinking over a pint of good bitter, and could be seen sketching on anything to hand – a bus ticket, a cigarette packet or a beer mat included.This print (double the size of the others in the series) perfectly captures the enjoyments of a Sunday lunchtime. Two gentlemen converse with the landlady at the bar whilst others, in postprandial contentment, smoke a pipe or turn to the headlines in what looks to be a concentrated scrutiny of the weekend papers.*The Local, Maurice Gorham, Cassell and Co./Curwen Press, 1939.