Shirley Methodist Church, Croydon, 8 September 2025

A strike by RMT union members meant there were no London Underground services for four days from Monday 8 September to Thursday 11 September. As a result, I lost two modelling jobs: an all-day portrait booking was cancelled as I could no longer get there; an evening life drawing session was cancelled as the artists couldn’t get there.

At least my Monday evening booking with Croydon Art Society went ahead. Society members either walk or drive to the venue and, whilst it’s a long journey for me, I was able to replace the tube part with extra walking and more use of mainline trains. Most important for me was not to fail the group if at all possible.

The bookings I’d lost were important but with artists who could reschedule. A booking with Croydon Art Society, however, is a limited opportunity as their practice covers all forms of study, not just figurative. It means a lot to me, being invited annually to pose either for portrait or life drawing. I would hate having no option but to let them down.

This session was life drawing. We began with four 5-minute warm-up poses ahead of the long pose that would occupy the remainder of the evening, with a break for cakes and refreshments. A couple of artists asked whether I would mind them taking photos of me in pose; I obliged willingly. I feel valued here. I’m happy to go the extra mile.

Pose minutes, 7:30pm-9:30pm

Part 1 : 5, 5, 5, 5, 40.
— break —
Part 2 : 35 continuation.

Artworks

With apologies to artists I’m unable to credit.

Artwork by Mandy Gomm.

Artwork by Zoe Parker.