Vaulty Towers, London, 1 June 2024
Each life drawing venue inspires different feelings of anticipation ahead of a first visit. When I was booked by tutor Josie Deighton for my début London Drawing session at Vaulty Towers, I was intrigued to see what magic lurks beyond its ultra-hip façade. Most of all, though, I wondered whether I would be able stand upright in its cellar.
Well, I could, all six-foot-four of me… but only just!
It’s an inspiring space to work within: quirky and cosy rather than claustrophobic. As I had the ceiling so readily at hand I made a point of connecting with it in various ways for my opening five poses, all of which lasted 2 minutes. After these I afforded myself more headroom by sitting for the next two 20-minute poses.
Artwork by Barbara.
Artwork by Barbara.
Artwork by Tim Daly.
As I’d found previously with Josie, she’s the very epitome of kind consideration. Her primary concern here, however, wasn’t the ceiling but the floor. I was obliged to wear the sandals she provided, lest my feet be spoiled by bar debris from the night before. Our second half started in the manner of the first, with 2-minute poses: four more.
Artwork by Tim Daly.
One pose of 30 minutes took us to the end. As I’d sat for the only two previous poses longer than 120 seconds, I felt the least I could do was stay on my feet, albeit without the natty footwear. Meanwhile, Josie circled the room offering advice wherever it was welcome. This is a nice appreciative subterranean art community. I fitted right in. 🙂
steve ritter 