Adorning the windows and walls of The Blue Stoops with shimmering gold leaf, intricate hand lettering, and a captivating illustrative mural has been a true labor of love over the 30 day duration. My journey began with meticulous window cleaning and continued through each painstaking step: carefully aligning every template into their correct positions, delicately transfering wafer-thin sheets of gold leaf to perfectly mixed “size” (that’s a gelatin glue to you), brushing away excess gold flakes flickering on freshly applied glue and finally painting all the lettering in reverse.
In addition to the 8 windows running from end to end, the two fascias were painted in the same deep blue as the exterior walls and adorned with several books of 23ct gold transfer leaf. As the sun moves throughout the day, the gold catches the light, shifting and gleaming in different ways, creating a dynamic effect that’s ever-changing.
This remarkable transformation could not have been achieved without the union of exceptional talents from the project's inception. From the stunning branding work from Alec Tear , to the wonderfully balanced interior design, and the tireless efforts of skilled tradesmen who brought every detail to life - each element played a crucial role. It has been a joy to contribute my artistry to such a gratifying project – it truly is a great pub.