Harmony Hall, London, 4 November 2024

14 Nov 2024

I’d been itching to come back. After a flurry of bookings in the first half of 2022, I then had to turn down an offer in 2023, and this was my first opportunity since. Something about those 2022 sessions whetted my appetite, however. Time to scratch the itch…

Strange how such a feeling can arise. In a city of umpteen art groups. Walthamstow Lifedrawing isn’t the most renowned, the most glamorous, the most elite, or highest paying, but I liked the purity of its practice, the spirit of community, the easy journey.

I found much was endearingly familiar: the ‘Melody Room’ space, the colourful trestle tables surrounding me, the pose times, the people. And the differences were positive, too: an extra abundance of artists attending; even the heater seemed more effective!

So I did what I do and gave of my best. I sat on the floor for two poses, but otherwise stood throughout. Latecomers to this full-house had to sit at tables behind the central circle and might have struggled to get a clear view of any reclining poses.

Ultimately, everybody seemed pleased with our evening’s efforts. None more so than the group’s organiser, Harriet, who beamed her way around the packed room as she photographed so many great drawings. I look forward to returning on 24 February.