Head of the River – Original Painting
About the Image
The Head of the River is synonymous with student life in Oxford, although a little up market for my student budget. I lived on the Abingdon road, so was a short walk from Folly bridge and the head of the river. You can walk along the tow path to Donnington bridge, or even Iffley lock a frequent walk destination in my time there.
Another favourite walk was to enter Christchurch Meadows from the gate behind the pub and follow the river of ISIS and then the river Cherwell to Magdalen bridge and then back through town. It was a welcome break when studies were overbearing, or you just needed time to clear your head.
Cruiser boats are not the usual style associated with Oxford. They are familiar enough sight, but nothing like the quintessential orange and brown of the wooden punts and rowing boats, which can be hired by the head by the head of the river. It’s a popular spot for visitors to punt, but not the best place for a novice to try. The River Thames, or ISIS, as it’s known locally, is deep and busy at this spot. It’s an entertaining spot for onlookers, though, and on a summer’s day, laughter and the odd splash are frequently heard.
The Head of the River on Folly Bridge began as St Aldate’s Yard, a combination of dwelling house, warehouses, stables and sheds. The main warehouse was built in 1827, Converted into a pub in 1977 Retaining the winch that was once used to lift material on and off the boats. The pub was named in a competition which run in the Oxford Mail. The finishing line of the four-day Oxford University rowing regatta is close to the pub, and “Head of the River” is the name given to the boat that comes first in the race at the end of each day.
Naturally, being by the river, boats of all shapes and sizes pass by and even moor by the Head. As well as the racing boats, punts and rowing boats, you’ll see narrowboats, Dutch barges and the uniquely Oxford sight of College Barges, and the ubiquitous Cruisers, seen in the painting.
The three seen here might belong to the hire company as well. The balloons tied to the middle boat, suggest a celebration, a birthday or wedding, perhaps? Maybe they’re stopped at The Head for a cocktail or two during happy hour?
Painting the head of the river, I wanted to keep the edges vague as with a memory, that’s clear at its heart, but fuzzy around the edges. Like the little details that are just out of reach as you recall past events. Similar to the feeling you get if you’ve had too many cocktails and can’t quite remember all the details of the night before but hopefully not where you’ve moored the boat. It’s probably best to stay on dry land though, if you’ve been drinking.
Creation: Masking fluid is painted onto watercolour paper to create an image. This is covered with a watercolour wash and covered with clingfilm. The picture is further developed using acrylic inks once the film is removed. The masking is removed after several layers are added and allowed to dry. Revealing the final picture.
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