Garrett Centre, London, 20 May 2026
The RMT union strike by tube train drivers set for 20 May was called off a day or two before, but by then I had bought train tickets for an alternative route to Bethnal Green allowing plenty of extra time. Thus, I entered the Garrett Centre crazily early.
The space for life drawing had already been set-up by regular artist George Mitchell, who kindly offers his help before anyone else arrives. There always seems to be a lot of goodwill for Adrian Dutton’s groups and for Adrian himself, who is beyond nice.
I felt strangely moved to see the space at its quietest. It was like waking before dawn to catch the sun’s first light; stillness and serenity ahead of the day’s work. I’ve posed here for hundreds of artists over the past 13 years, but never stood alone.
Soon enough I had artists on all sides of me. These included a few familiar faces and others that were new both to me and the group; a healthy mix. So I posed, they drew, Adrian made food for everybody, and together we made a community… and art.
Pose minutes, 7pm-9pm
Part 1 : 5, 1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 5, 10, 30.
— break —
Part 2 : 5, 15, 20.
Artworks
With apologies to artists I’m unable to credit.
steve ritter 