The Crown Bar, Belfast, in focus

One of the other things I like to do is paint, and here is my watercolour painting The Crown Bar, Belfast.

I have a tiny collection of watercolour illustrations I have completed of Irish pubs, doors and a shop, prints of these are available through my Etsy store. I’m looking forwards to adding to this and have begun work on The Stag’s Head Bar, and the Palace Bar Dublin.

I love brickwork and architectural details, and rich colour. I love typography and interesting examples are often to be found in shop names and pub signs.

The Crown Bar, Belfast (above) is perhaps Ireland’s most decorative bar, the interior is still the original Victorian design and it’s beautifully maintained by The National Trust these days. Leased to Mitchells &Butlers it’s currently run as a Nicholson’s Bar. Dating back to 1826 and featuring the original fit out inside, complete with 10 snugs, The Crown is a must see.

Italian influence

Originally opened as ‘The Railway Tavern’ by Mr Felix O’Hanlon, later purchased by Mr Michael Flanagan whose son Patrick renamed and renovated it in the 1880’s. Italian craftsmen reputedly working on local churches at the time were persuaded to work on the Bar after hours. Their fine detailing and high standard of works quickly gave The Crown a reputation as one of the finest gin palaces of it’s time.

In 1978 The National trust was persuaded, by Sir John Betjeman among others, to purchase the property and a £400,000 restoration was completed 3 years later. Further restoration works costing £500,000 were completed by the National Trust in 2007.

The Crown has featured as a location in many Film and TV productions, but you really need to drop in on a wet Tuesday afternoon off season to settle yourself down with a pint of something and really take in the altar style bar, the gas lamps and the etched and stained glass windows.

On your way out, if it’s not dark already take a closer look at the facade, every inch of the ground floor frontage is covered in heavily ornate majolica tiles. I took dozens of reference shots for this project and I could not stop looking at the rich glazes – the colours are still deep and rich. I hope I’ve captured that in my painting. It was a joy to draw.