Illustrations that show ‘what it means to be English’

Mr Gresty’s This Is England exhibition has seen him call on fellow illustrators to think about, ‘What makes England, English?’

First off we should probably tell you that this isn’t some terrifying act of jingoism or nationalism. Rather it’s a lighthearted look at what it means to be English.

Gresty says the 17 artists ‘from home and away’ have drawn out ‘cliches of bad weather, landmarks, royalty, English cuisine, the capital and countryside’.

He adds, ‘England has a rich history to be proud of and is today a cosmopolitan population which shares and fuses influence, traditions and cuisine.

‘I hope the exhibition will remind visitors what fun, seaside-loving, fish & chip-eating, queuing-up fans and professional moaners that the English are.’

Exhibiting artists include Helena Long, Simon Fitzmaurice, Aimee Louise Webster, Nathan James Page III, VJ Von Art, Mark Pigghammer Coates, Leanne Benson, Ian Viggars, Laura Sheldon, Victoria Fox and Mr Gresty himself.

This is England is the latest in Gresty’s LHR series, which has taken place across three London pubs – The Lauriston, The Hanbury Arms and The Regent.

Gresty says, ‘With so many talented artists creating unique and inspirational work, the aim of the LHR Exhibitions is to bring together a diverse display of talent, all creating work to a very open brief.

‘This gives the artists the opportunity to showcase what they do best. The target is to help the artists get their work seen and hopefully sold too, without losing any commission to the gallery.’

A launch night is planned for the evening of Friday 22 August when one of the artists, Beatriz Sanches will also be showing her book My London For You, a handmade postcard-sized city guide, which encourages people to use non-digital methods of communication – handwriting, drawing and traditional post. (Three prints from the book will also be on display).

The exhibition will runs until late October at The Lauriston, 162 Victoria Park Road, E9 7JN.

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