The Union

Former coal miner Joe Scarborough brings a sense of theatre to his vibrant pieces, which are inspired by Impressionism and the drama of real life.

Each artwork features his signature four-inch figures and scenes reminiscent of the 1950s and 60s. Like Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, he first paints the canvas orange to create movement. The figures are then sketched in with a pencil, before raw umber is applied and dark lines are added once the paint is dry.

This piece is inspired by Joe’s favourite pub, The Union. He explains: “It reminds me of my late wife, Audrey. We used to sit in the little snug pictured in the painting. The landlord and lady – Paddy and Beryl – rule the pub with an iron rod. Pies and peas, a splash of Henderson’s Relish…but no mucky boots!”