This summer I was commissioned by The Famous Grouse to work on a rather peculiar project…

To celebrate 30 years of being the nation’s favourite dram, The Famous Grouse ran a Facebook poll to find drinkers’ 30 most loved pubs in the UK. These top voted drinking spots became known as The Famous 30 and I was tasked with illustrating the unique story behind each venue onto a super sized statue of the iconic bird.

Due to its sizeable proportions and the fact that it wouldn’t fit through my front door, I decamped to my old studio at my parent’s fish farm for a week and began the task. Several days and many pens later, Mr Grouse had some inky new plumage. He is currently touring round The Famous 30, so you may just spot him down your local!

Pop back later this week for a special Pen Blog featuring the pens used in this commission and a behind the scene sneak peak at the inking in action!

Big thanks to Nick Mailer for this awesome photosnaps! 

J

And just incase you were wondering, The Famous 30 are:

The Bear,  Wincanton

Station Buffet Bar, Stalybridge

The Pipers Inn, Ashcott

The Murderers, Norwich

The Fools Nook, Sutton

The Neuadd Arms, Llanwrtyd Wells

Teuchters Bar, Edinburgh

Gaggle of Geese, Buckland Newton

The Kempock Bar, Gourock

King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow

The Jigger Inn, St Andrews

The Drovers Inn, North Loch Lomond

The Bothy, Perth

The Kings Arms, York

The Robin Hood, Brighton

The Leather Bottle, Cobham

The Blind Beggar, Whitechapel

Star Tavern, Belgravia,

The Oxford Bar, Edinburgh

Oran Mor, Glasgow

The Ponderosa, Glenshane Pass

The Crown Bar Liquor Saloon, Belfast

The Philharmonic Dining Rooms, Liverpool

Blacksmiths Arms Inn, Scarborough

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, Nottingham

Bucket of Blood, Hayle

The Eagle, Cambridge

The Cabbage Patch, Twickenham

Adam and Eve, Norwich

Horse Shoe Bar, Glasgow