The Star by Hackney Downs, 27 January 2026

1 Feb 2026

Following a hat-trick of bookings in early January it’s been a quiet three weeks on the modelling front. This is no bad thing as for part of that time I was abroad and if I must have quiet periods, I prefer them to be when temperatures are nearing zero.

The attendance by artists at regular life drawing sessions can sometimes seem fickle like the weather too. This one for Drawing the Star on a cold damp January evening seemed fated for a very low turn-out, until boosted by a flurry of last-minute arrivals.

I’ve never not enjoyed modelling at The Star by Hackney Downs, always gushing in praise when I write these blogs, so I’m running out of superlatives. Let’s just say this was no exception to the hip convivial laid-back feel-good standard. A really nice vibe.

Niceties for me included introducing the Zhan Zhuang ‘holding the balloon’ pose into my repertoire and, lucky chance, meeting Emily who organises Hacknakey events in nearby Clapton. I’ll now be modelling there on Monday… with naked musicians! 😃