The Scolt Head pub, which has 8 blocked-up windows (which may have been the result of the 1800s ‘Window Tax’), commissioned me to brighten up the neighbourhood with 8 aerial window murals. Each window’s design reflects the colours, shapes and patterns of life at this historic Hackney pub. Classic pub objects that inspired my designs include stripey paper straws, geometric drip trays, corrugated beer mats, the vertical lines of ventilation shafts, the ripples of folded restaurant napkins – and, of course, the pub’s popular dartboard.
 

Having worked at The Scolt Head as my first part-time job when I was 17, I got to know all its nooks and crannies, all the back-room areas containing objects that interest me as a designer and which inspired me to create the window murals. My aim was to capture the joyful spirit of the pub community. When I started work there as a glass-runner, later pulling pints and working in the restaurant, my shifts formed an important part of my creative process. My best ideas came to me when I was polishing cutlery!

The Window Tax, which operated in England and Wales from 1696 until 1851, meant many residents blocked out their windows to lower their taxes. The De Beauvoir pub, in Culford Road, Hackney N1, dates from around that time and its blank windows provided the perfect canvas.

The Scolt Head owner, Rosie Wesemann said: “I am a big fan of colour, the yellow pub needed some more. I have always loved Coco Lom’s work and really wanted her to take over some space and bring some joy and light to the building after the grimness of the pandemic."
 

Come and check out the new artwork over a pint or two!

 

Shop the collection here