About the painting

21 Spiral Staircase

There’s something about spiral staircases that has always fascinated me. They seem to convey a sense of movement, Spiralling upwards, or downwards, depending on your perspective or direction of travel.

This dark, rusty staircase is set against vibrant, red brickwork. Suggested with paint rather than clearly defined. As it is on the left The corner of an alley, right in the centre of Buckingham but easy to miss if you go about intent on your destination.

It’s worth taking the time to look around when you’re out and about. The most surprising things can be right on your doorstep. Keeping an eye open to them is the way to find them.

Back to the staircase and the smooth helical shape of the rail contrasts with the irregular stepped curves of the steps themselves. The single supporting pole off centre in the image but central focus of the spiralling ascent.

Behind the bush and buildings beyond are hinted at, but not defined. Present, but not significant to the object standing front and centre.

The spiral staircase dominates the frame and continues upwards.