Albert Mansions & The Tower (Original A2 drawing) - 2015

This is an original ink drawing from 2015, created with pigment ink on paper. It is signed and dated by the artist, and has been exhibited previously. The piece was formerly framed, resulting in minor wear to the corners and the back due to the framing process. A print version of this drawing is also available.

Whenever I’ve explored the idea of reimagining London’s architecture, I was always drawn to the thought of illustrating the Royal Albert Hall. However, it felt like too obvious a choice, especially when considering the other buildings I had planned to depict at the time.

During my research on the Royal Albert Hall, I found that the Albert Mansions, which surround it, were a more compelling subject. They share a similar architectural style and seemed to align better with my vision. I became excited about drawing them alongside another iconic landmark.

The icon I chose to pair with the Albert Mansions is the Tower of London. I played with the literal interpretation of “Tower” and imagined it looming over the Albert Mansions. Despite its grim history, the Tower of London holds a certain charm—from the Beefeaters that reside there to its housing of the Crown Jewels. It embodies the spirit of old London and serves as a visual reminder of how far the city has evolved in terms of construction and architecture.