The National Gallery, and the church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square. I ksetched there while there was still daylight to draw in – the Sun goes down so early in London, earlier than in California (by about eight hours or so). It was bitterly cold of course, but I braved it, and not only because I happened to see other sketchers out doing the same. One artist did stop and chat with me, asked if I was part of the group of people out sketching the square for some drawing day; I said no, but wish I’d known! Someone else asked if I was an architect.
I love that the north side of Trafalgar Square is pedestrianized, it will never cease to be a novelty to me. I remember when the very idea was deemed unthinkable, back when traffic ploughed endlessly through this very spot, but when they paved it over they turned it into an incredible open space, a public plaza that was actually worth visiting (cheers Ken!). I used to work on the open-top tour buses that would stop right outside the National Gallery – which by the way is one of the wonders of the art world, and like so many such places in London is completely free; I used to joke that my favourite room was the shop, because it had all the artwork in mini postcard form and took a fraction of the time to see them all. But for me, this spot will always be where I used to catch the Night Bus in the wee hours (that is quite literally the wee hours, with drunken people peeing all over the place). Along with the rest of London. I would stand here, sometimes for hours, waiting for my elusive N5 (they are far more frequent these days – cheers Ken!), to take my tired self home. You had to catch it from here to be sure of a seat in those days. Oh the memories. I’m glad they paved it over.
petescully 
I love your sketch and I love London. I used to go about every 6 months in the 90’s , but I haven’t been back in 10 years. I know that area well. I can’t believe it’s been closed to traffic. I wish I was there, hanging out, people watching, and buying more Muji pens and notebooks…
Cheers! It is so much better with no traffic there, such a nice place now.
Let’s hear it for Ken! Last time I was in T Sq, it was full of pigeons. Tells you how long that was. Nice sketch. You’re handy with that pen.
Thanks for this post–it’s been over 20 years since I set foot in London. The National Gallery was a wonderful gift to the eyes and St. Martins offered a lovely feast for the ears and eyes with a music offering I can not recall the title of–but the sights and feel of the place remains…It’s been a long time since I visited that memory. Thank you for reminding me.
I have two drawings that are framed and seem very old. They are original drawings but I don’t know who drew them and when. One is Sr. Martins on the Fields London the other is High Street Weschester. Do you know where I could possible find if they are worth anything or who would want to buy them? My number is 832-865-8228. I would be glad to take a picture and send to you
Hi there! I’m sorry, I wouldn’t know anything about that sort of thing I’m afraid. Perhaps an auction house?