London SE1 community website

Reuben Powell: Paintings, Drawings and Prints at Hotel Elephant

London SE1 website team

Elephant & Castle artist Reuben Powell is opening his studio to visitors during the London Festival of Architecture.

Reuben Powell: Paintings, Drawings and Prints at Hotel Elephant
Reuben Powell: Paintings, Drawings and Prints at Hotel Elephant

He moved into the the former garage in Newington Causeway last September. The large building dates from the 1950s when it was purpose-built for Autocar. Those known to have had vehicles serviced there include Harold Wilson and Petula Clark.

The space with a high roof is now filled with many of Reuben Powell's large paintings and drawings of the Elephant & Castle in transition.

Notable is a study for the major Elephant & Castle painting in the atrium of the Southwark Council building in Tooley Street.

But there are even larger pictures of the Elephant which have been produced by primary school children inspired by the view from the top of the top of the London College of Communication.

The Globe Academy has recently used the studio for its examination art show. Future plans include working with pupils of Victory School recording the demolition of the Heygate Estate.

Reuben Powell is also showing his work not related to the area's regeneration.

All works, except the portraits of his parents, are for sale including limited edition Elephant & Castle prints.

A special feature is the Mechanical Sky, a sixteen frame painting in oil on tin plate steel, activated by the visitor.

Life drawing classes will be resumed in the studio every Wednesday from September.

• Reuben Powell Open Studio is at 77-85 Newington Causeway: Mon-Sat 11am to 6pm until 21 July. Visitors are advised to phone 07710 629317 in advance to check latest opening times.


Listen to audio
The SE1 website is supported by people like you
We are part of
Independent Community News Network
Email newsletter

For the latest local news and events direct to your inbox every Monday, you need our weekly email newsletter SE1 Direct.

Archive
News archive from February 1999 to January 2001
Got a story for us?
Contact us with your tip-offs and story ideas.