EXHIBITIONART WORK LIST: QUEER TODAY GONE TOMORROW
- RECOGNITION
- Jun 13
- 27 min read
Updated: Jun 27
See below for a full list of artworks from the QUEER TODAY GONE TOMORROW series.
When at the show:
1. Scan the QR code of the artwork you want to learn the history of
2. Tap its number / title below (findable by the artwork)
3. Learn about the venue's history, what made it special, and about the intent behind the artwork
If you'd like to purchase an artwork, please get in touch via the contact page or DM on @RECOGNITION.ART
QUEER TODAY GONE TOMORROW
LIST OF ARTWORKS FROM
Unknown - , HAMPSTEAD HEATH
1583 - , THE GRAPES
1661 - , VAUXHALL PLEASURE GARDENS
1720 - 1728, JULIUS CAESAR TAYLOR'S MOLLY HOUSE
1724 - 1726, MOTHER CLAP'S MOLLY HOUSE
1751 - 2015, THE BLACK CAP
1832 - , ADMIRAL DUNCAN
1846 - 2016, THE QUEEN'S HEAD
1863 - , ROYAL VAUXHAUL TAVERN
1866 - 2008, THE COLHERNE ARMS
1887 - , BETHNAL GREEN WORKING MEN'S CLUB
1890 - , COMPTONS
1900s - 1958, CLARKSON'S COTTAGE
1912 - 1914, THE CAVE OF THE GOLDEN CALF
1930 - , THE KING'S ARMS
1931 - 1985, THE GATEWAYS
1934 - 1934, CARAVAN CLUB
1946 - , CITY OF QUEBEC
1960s - 1980s, PORCHESTER HALLS
1972 - 2008, BANG AT SUNDOWNERS
1979 - , HEAVEN
1982 - 1995, THE BELL
1982 - , CLONEZONE
1984 - 2008 , BROMPTONS
1985 - 2022, THE BACKSTREET
1985 - 1990s, BRIEF ENCOUNTER
1985 - , THE WHITE SWAN
1990 - 2024, G-A-Y LATE
1990 - , VILLAGE
1992 - , THE UNDERGROUND (SOP)
1996 - 2022, CHARIOTS (Multiple locations)
1989 - , PROWLER
2001 - , DUKE OF WELLINGTON
2008 - 2022, XXL
2012 - 2019, UNION (FIST)
2014 - 2024, THE GLORY
2022 - , LORD CLYDE
2023 - , HUNTER
2024 - , THE DIVINE
HAMPSTEAD HEATH
Dates Active: unknown - date
Hampstead Heath has long been a notorious cruising ground for gay men.
The wooded area behind Jack Straw's Castle (once a pub now apartments), while quieter now than previously, still attracts men seeking casual encounters with other men. Most famously, George Michael was discovered 'cruising' - looking for casual sex - in Hampstead Heath.
When rearranged, the canvases create a map of a section of Hampstead Heath, with the red area noting the cruising area.
Acrylic on Canvas, 2024
910 x 620mm, various sizes
£1,100
THE GRAPES
Dates Active: 1583 - Date
Currently owned by Sir Ian McKellen, The Grapes is situated at 76 Narrow Street in Limehouse for almost 500 years, the small pub has always been popular with the 'creative' community, visited and referenced by Charles Dickens, Francis Bacon, Arthur Conan Doyle and James Whistler to name a few.
Now an 'LGBTQ+ friendly' venue, it's regularly listed in queer blogs and pub trails for the community. Notably, Oscar Wilde wrote of the pub in Dorian Grey.
Acrylic on Canvas, 2024
405 x 305mm
£380
Ink on 330 GSM paper, 2024
Giclee print
420 x 297mm / 594 x 420mm
£85 / £130
Signed Editions of 50
VAUXHALL PLEASURE GARDENS
Dates Active: Est. 1661-1859 (cruising ground in c.1720s)
Famous in the 19th century for 'unsavoury' men coming to pick up working lads, Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens (now known as the 'Spring Gardens') were a cruising ground for both men and women.
The print is inspired by a hand drawn layout of the gardens as they appeared in 1720. The writing alludes to "the first recognisable drag queen" ( ref. Rictor Norton) 'Princess Seraphina'. Very outgoing and unashamed in their wearing of women's clothing, they were notably arrested after attending the Al Ridotto al Fresco Masquerade Ball at Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens in 1732.
JULIUS CAESAR TAYLOR'S MOLLY HOUSE
Ink and pen on 330 GSM paper
Hand finished screenprint, 2024
500 x 500mm
Signed Edition of 40
£135 (unframed)
Dates Active: c.1720-1728
In early 18th-century London, Molly Houses offered rare, secret spaces where queer men—known as “Mollies”—could gather, socialise, and express themselves. Julius Caesar Taylor, likely a formerly enslaved Black man, ran one such house on the then-quiet Tottenham Court Road.
Taylor’s Molly House was known for its theatrical rituals: new members were welcomed with a splash of gin to the face, given a female name, and embraced into a chosen family of Mollies. These spaces, though dangerous, provided community, intimacy, and resistance in a time of brutal repression.
In 1728, Taylor was arrested for "keeping a disorderly house, and entertaining wicked abandon’d men who commit sodomitical practices"—a charge that could carry the death penalty. His Molly House remains a powerful symbol of early queer defiance and the risks taken simply to exist and connect.
MOTHER CLAP'S MOLLY HOUSE
Dates Active: c.1724-1726
Perhaps the most famous of all Molly Houses, Mother Clap’s was a private residence and coffee house run by Margaret “Mother” Clap in the early 1720s. Tucked away in Field Lane near Holborn, it became a lifeline for London’s underground queer community at a time when sex between men was punishable by death under the Buggery Act of 1533.
Molly Houses were secret spaces where “Mollies”—a term used for effeminate gay men in the 18th century—could gather, dress up, socialise, and sometimes hold mock weddings or “birth” ceremonies.
Unlike some Molly Houses, Mother Clap’s was not a brothel; she likely didn’t run it for profit, but out of care and solidarity. She is even reported to have given false testimony in court to help acquit a man facing sodomy charges.
Though it operated for just a few years, it became deeply embedded in the queer history of London. Incredibly, there were likely more known queer venues in the 1720s than in the 1950s. Mother Clap’s stands as a testament to the long history of resistance, community, and joy in the face of persecution.
Ink and pen on 330 GSM paper
Hand finished screenprint, 2024
594 x 420mm
Signed Edition of 50
£135 (unframed)
THE BLACK CAP
Dates Active: 1751 - 2015
Perched on Camden High Street, The Black Cap stood on what was once the main northern gateway into London—its name a reference to the legend of a local witch, “Mother Black Cap.” That same folklore lent the pub an aura of the mysterious and subversive, long before it became a beacon of queer nightlife.
From the 1960s, it evolved into one of London’s most iconic drag venues—nicknamed “The Palladium of Drag”—hosting stars like Rex Jameson as Mrs Shufflewick, Adrella, and Regina Fong. It became a sanctuary for all corners of the LGBTQ+ community: older regulars, students, drag royalty, and everyone in between.
Despite being listed as an Asset of Community Value, it was abruptly closed in 2015 by developers. Its doors remain shut, but the spirit of resistance and glamour it cultivated continues through long-running community efforts to bring it back. #WeAreTheBlackCap
Map
Ink on 330 GSM paper
Giclee print (set of 4), 2024
594 x 420mm per print
Signed edition of 10
£520 per set (unframed)
Back to Black
Ink and pen on 330 GSM paper
Giclee print, 2024
400 x 400mm
Signed edition of 30
£110 (unframed)
ADMIRAL DUNCAN
Dates Active: est. 1832 (LGBTQ+ from 1980s) - ,
One of Soho’s oldest gay pubs, the Admiral Duncan has long been a lively and defiant cornerstone of London’s LGBTQ+ community. But on 30 April 1999, it became the site of the deadliest homophobic attack ever carried out on a gay venue in Britain.
A far-right extremist planted a nail bomb inside the pub during a busy Friday evening. The explosion killed three people—Andrea Dykes, 27, who was pregnant, and her friends John Light, 32, and Nik Moore, 31—and injured around 70 others. The attack sent shockwaves through the country and the queer community.
In the face of tragedy, the Admiral Duncan became a powerful symbol of resilience. Community members rallied in grief and protest, refusing to be driven into silence. To this day, the pub stands proudly on Old Compton Street, with a memorial outside honouring the lives lost. It remains a vibrant space for remembrance, unity, and queer joy.
This piece interprets the iconic pub's famous sign, with the hand finished print referring to the strength of the LGBTQ+ community in coming together in the face of the nail bomb attack.
Acrylic on Canvas, 2024
1219 x 1828mm
£2,500
Ink and pen on 330 GSM Paper, 2024
Hand finished giclee print
594 x 420mm
Signed edition of 300
£150
Ink and pen on 330 GSM Paper, 2024
Hand finished giclee print
594 x 420mm
Signed edition of 300
£110
THE QUEEN's HEAD
Dates Active: 1846 - 2016 - LGBTQ+ from 1920s
Tucked away on Tryon Street just off the King’s Road, Chelsea, The Queen’s Head was one of London’s oldest gay pubs—known for its discreet charm and fiercely loyal crowd. Nestled in the heart of Chelsea’s bohemian past, it offered a rare mix of quiet intimacy and raucous drag cabaret.
The pub became a haven for older gay men, local creatives, and those seeking community in a more low-key setting than Soho. Known for its tiny bar, well-worn décor, and no-nonsense staff, it felt like a holdout from another era.
After decades as a safe space, it closed quietly in 2016, a casualty of rising rents and shifting social habits. For many, its disappearance marked the end of a more personal, village-like queer London.
Ink and pen on 330 GSM Paper
Hand finished giclee print, 2024
594 x 420mm
Signed edition of 50
£130
ROYAL VAUXHALL TAVERN
Dates Active: 1863 - date (LGBTQ+ focused from 1950s)
A cornerstone of queer London, the Royal Vauxhall Tavern has stood on Kennington Lane since the 1860s, beside the former Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens—once a playground of masked hedonism. By the 1950s, it had quietly become a refuge for gay men during a time of criminalisation, its circular layout offering both visibility and protection.
From the '70s, the RVT gained fame for its drag and cabaret—home to icons like Hinge and Bracket, Adrella, and the legendary Lily Savage. It wasn't just about performance—it was political. In 1987, police raided the venue in rubber gloves at the height of the AIDS crisis, a chilling symbol of stigma and resistance.
Legend has it Princess Diana once visited in disguise, sneaking in alongside Freddie Mercury and friends for a night out.
The RVT has weathered redevelopment threats and, in 2015, became the first UK gay venue to be granted listed status for its LGBTQ+ cultural significance. Today, it remains defiantly camp, proudly political, and absolutely essential—with nights like Duckie, Push the Button, and Bar Wotever keeping its legacy alive.
Pride / Shame - This adds a positive spin to the RVT's annual Shame club night that
references the internal struggles many LGBTQ+ people go through
RVT 2 - This references when Freddie Mercury dressed up Princess Diana in
drag and took her to the RVT for a night out
RVT3 - Here, a positive future facing outlook is given to the famous story of
legendary drag artist Lily Savage told of a police raid at the RVT when they all
wore rubber gloves for fear of catching HIV by touching a homosexual.
Ink and pen on 330 GSM Paper
Hand finished screenprint, 2024
297 x 420mm
£95 unframed
Shame / Pride - Signed Edition of 35
Ink and pen on 330 GSM Paper
Hand finished screenprint, 2024
297 x 420mm
£95 unframed
Princess and Queen - Signed Edition of 35
Ink and pen on 330 GSM Paper
Hand finished screenprint, 2024
297 x 420mm
£95 unframed
The Gloves are Off - Signed Edition of 10
THE COLEHERNE ARMS
Dates Active: 1866 (popular with gay men from 1950s) - The Pembroke gastropub from 2008.
From the 1950s onward, The Coleherne Arms became one of London’s most notorious and enduring gay pubs—especially known for its leather scene.
Housed in a grand corner building in Earl’s Court, it drew an international crowd of leathermen, punks, and tourists. Inside, you’d turn left at the entrance to reach the leather section—strict dress code enforced—while the front bar had a different, more relaxed vibe for those not in gear.
Many patrons would finish the night cruising in the nearby Brompton Cemetery, continuing the hunt under the moonlight. Stars like Freddie Mercury and Derek Jarman were known regulars.
Though linked to darker chapters in the '80s with the serial killers Dennis Nilsen and Colin Ireland, the pub remained a powerful symbol of queer defiance and sexual freedom. Rebranded in the 2000s, its unique identity was erased—but its legend lives on.
Left / Here for Leather - Left alludes to the splitting of the bar into two distict sections with the leather area on the left, while 'Here' indicates the leather crowd's attendance and permanence within the LGBTQ+ community.
Left / Here for Leather
Ink and pen on 330 GSM Paper
Hand finished screenprint, 2024
500 x 500 mm
Signed Edition of 20
£160 (unframed)
Graveyard - This references the frequent use of the nearby graveyard as a cruising ground, and the impact of the HIV crisis.
Graveyard
Ink and pen on 330 GSM Paper
Hand finished screenprint, 2024
500 x 500 mm
Signed Edition of 10
£160 (unframed)
The Coal Hole - Known by many simply as the Coal Hole, due to its name and shoddy nature.
The Coal Hole
Ink and pen on 330 GSM Paper
Hand finished screenprint, 2024
500 x 500 mm
Signed Edition of 10
£160 (unframed)
Pre Order:
Jamaican Patties - Signed Edition of 20
Jamaican Patties - Many patrons fondly remember a Jamaican woman selling patties from a shopping cart outside.
BETHNAL GREEN WORKING MEN'S CLUB
Dates Active: 1887 - semi closed from Late 2024, LGBTQ+ inclusive from 2006
Founded in the heart of East London’s working-class community, Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club became an unexpected queer refuge from the 1970s onwards.
Originally a traditional social club for local labourers, it gradually welcomed LGBTQ+ patrons seeking a space outside the West End’s commercial scenes.
In 2006, the club officially gained a license for queer events, becoming a key venue where parties like Sink the Pink took off—launching a vibrant mix of drag, dance, and performance art. Known for its warm, unpretentious atmosphere and late-night gigs, it drew a mixed crowd of locals, artists, and club kids.
While now only semi open for occasional queer event nights after a farewell in 2024, it strives to live on and represent the queer community in East London.
In this map of the local area, BGWMC is noted by the red rectangle.
Acrylic on canvas, 2024
762 x 762mm
£920
Work, Men, Club
Ink and pen on 330 GSM paper,
Hand-finished Giclee print, 2024
300mm x 300mm
Signed Edition of 50
£100
Ink on 330 GSM paper
Giclee print, 2024
300mm x 300mm
£65
COMPTONS
Dates Active: 1890 (gay from1986) - date
Originally known as the Swiss Hotel, this iconic venue on Old Compton Street evolved over decades into one of Soho’s most cherished gay pubs. Its origins date back to the 19th century, serving as a traditional London hotel and pub before becoming a focal point for the LGBTQ+ community in the 20th century.
By the 1970s and ’80s, Compton’s had firmly established itself as a friendly, inclusive space where queer people of all ages mixed freely. It gained a reputation for affordable drinks, classic pub charm, and welcoming atmosphere, making it a hub for locals, tourists, and Soho regulars alike.
Today, it continues to celebrate its long history while adapting to the changing face of Soho’s nightlife.
24 ct. gold leaf and ink on 330 GSM paper
Hand finished screenprint, 2024
594 x 420mm
Signed edition of 40
£190
CLARKSON'S COTTAGE
Dates Active: Unknown - est. 1900 - 1958
Cottaging - the act of engaging in sexual activity in a public toilet - rose in popularity in late Victorian times. Arguably London's most popular cottaging location was located in Dansey's Place, Soho.
Nicknamed 'Clerkson's Cottage' after a renowned local theatrical costume shop (41-43 Wardour Street) owner Willie Carlson that was a notorious attendant. Blackmail was common of visitors to keep their secret.
This piece is inspired by the embossed design from the wall of the toilet, that was closed after WWII and rumoured to be sold to an unknown wealthy American.
Ink on 330 GSM Paper,
Screenprint, 2024,
500 x 500mm
Signed Edition of 40
£150
THE CAVE OF THE GOLDEN CALF
Dates Active: Est. 1912-1914
Tucked beneath 12–14 Heddon Street, just off Regent Street, The Cave of the Golden Calf opened in 1912 and is often cited as London’s first openly queer-friendly nightclub.
Founded by the eccentric Madame Strindberg, it was a decadent, bohemian den that welcomed artists, outsiders, and queer Londoners under a veil of glamour and wit.
Dubbed a “place of debauchery,” its avant-garde mix of cabaret, cocktails, and coded queerness shocked polite society and thrilled its regulars. Though it survived just two years before being shut down, it carved out a daring blueprint for LGBTQ+ nightlife in the city.
Eric Gill, famed (and controversial) artist, designed a sign and statue of the golden calf that never came to be. This artwork draws on his original concept—referencing the venue’s mythic aura and its brief but vital place in queer cultural history.
The artwork references both the venue's location street name, and the indulgent nature of the activities that went on there.
Acrylic and ink on Canvas, 2024
762 x 1016mm
£950
Blue / yellow / red
Ink and pen on 330 GSM paper
Hand finished screenprint, 2024
297 x 420mm
Signed edition of 25
£95 (unframed)
Pink / Aqua
Ink and pen on 330 GSM paper
Hand finished screenprint, 2024
297 x 420mm
Signed edition of 25
£95 (unframed)
THE KING'S ARMS
Dates Active: 1930 (gay from 1981 ) - date
Tucked just off Oxford Street, The King’s Arms is widely regarded as the oldest gay bar in Soho. Starting life as a discreet “gentlemen’s pub” in the 1970s, it became officially recognised as a gay venue in 1981.
With its wood-panelled charm and classic pub atmosphere, it became—and remains—a beloved hub for the Bear community. Its legendary “Beareoke” nights have been running for over 25 years, attracting regulars and curious newcomers alike.
While rooted in Bear culture, the venue has long welcomed a diverse LGBTQ+ crowd, hosting private events and socials for a wide range of queer groups. Still open today, The King’s Arms is a testament to the enduring importance of friendly, no-frills queer pubs in the heart of London.
Acrylic on canvas, 2024
700 x 770mm, Canvases of various sizes,
£740
Long Live The King,
Ink and pen on 330 GSM paper,
Hand-finished Giclee print, 2024
300mm x 300mm
Signed Edition of 50
£100 (unframed)
Ink on 330 GSM paper
Giclee print, 2024
300mm x 300mm
£65 (unframed)
GATEWAYS
Dates Active: 1931 (lesbian bar from 1967) - 1985
Situated unassumingly on the Kings Road in Chelsea, "The Gates" was a place where lesbians could meet openly from as early as the 1940s.
The small bar, it was popular with celebrities such as Dusty Springfield. Politics was left at the door in favour of dancing and freedom.
This piece is inspired by artist Maggi Hambling's note of The Gates: 'All sweat and sway of so many people dancing in a small space, that was part of the excitement'.
Acrylic and pen on Canvas, 2024
405 x 305mm
£380
CARAVAN CLUB
Dates Active: 1934-1934 (July - August)
Open for just a matter of weeks in 1934, The Caravan Club on Endell Street billed itself as "London’s most Bohemian rendezvous"—a thinly veiled code for what it truly was: a queer sanctuary at a time when homosexuality was criminalised.
Behind heavy curtains and down a narrow flight of stairs, the club offered music, dancing, and a rare freedom of expression for gay men, lesbians, and gender nonconforming people - garnering almost 450 members in its short tenure.
Police raided it in August, arresting the owners and dozens of patrons in one of the most notorious queer crackdowns of the era. In court, it was denounced as a “foul den of iniquity.” Though short-lived, The Caravan became legendary—a symbol of defiance, desire, and the queer urge to gather, even in the shadows.
Acrylic on Canvas, 2024
762 x 1016mm
£950
CITY OF QUEBEC
Dates Active: 1936 -, LGBTQ+ from 1946
Just steps from Marble Arch, The City of Quebec quietly became one of London’s oldest continuously operating gay pubs—dating back to the post-war years, and officially known as a queer space by the 1940s.
With its dark wood interiors and softly lit booths, it was long favoured by older gay men (and a known spot for those seeking age gap relationships), tourists, and those drawn to a more traditional pub atmosphere. In an era when discretion was survival, its location—tucked away but central—made it an essential meeting point.
Over time it adapted, adding a basement dancefloor and attracting a broader mix of LGBTQ+ clientele. In later years, redevelopment brought changes and tensions, with the pub losing some of its distinct character. Though still open today under new branding, many consider the soul of the old Quebec lost—its long queer history diluted by commercial pressures and gentrification.
Ink and pen on 330 GSM Paper
Giclee print, 2024
594 x 420mm
Signed edition of 50
£120
PORCHESTER HALLS
Dates Active: 1960s-1980s. Currently a council library
Inspired by the grand façade of Porchester Halls in Paddington, this piece celebrates its hidden queer history.
In the 1960s, drag performer Jean Fredericks began hosting dazzling “Balls” here—extravagant nights of fashion, performance and fierce competition, decades before Paris Is Burning hit screens.
With £25 prizes and the coveted title of “Queen of the Ball,” these nights drew crowds from around the world. Parties spilled into the streets in full glitter and glory—until 1986, when governors abruptly banned them after a fetish-themed event titled Feather, Leather, Flesh and Whiplash. A short-lived era, but one that lit up queer London with glamour and resistance.x
Ink and pen on 330 GSM paper,
Hand finished giclee print,
594 x 420mm
Signed edition of 50
£140 unframed
Acrylic on Canvas
Ink and pen on paper, 2024
1016 x 762mm
£1,200
BANG AT SUNDOWNERS
Dates Active: 1972 - 2008
Bang was a pioneering club night at the Sundown Club, hosted in London's Astoria 2 (demolished for Crossrail in 2010s) on Charring Cross Road, as the gay scene started to move into Soho.
One of the first LGBTQ+ specific club nights, it became G-A-Y with Jeremy Joseph in the 1990s, the Boston Globe describing it as "London's largest gay-themed club night" attracting over 6,000 people a week.
This work hints at the club night's party nature and impact on the LGBTQ+ community in London.
Ink and pen on 330 GSM Paper,
Hand finished screenprint, 2024
420 x 594mm
Signed edition of 10
£195
HEAVEN
Dates Active: 1979 - date
London's longest standing major LGBTQ+ club, it came onto the scene as one of the first venues to be more open and proud of its queer nature. More often at the time, lgbtq+ clubs were in cellars or pub discos.
Bought and later sold by Richard Brandson's Virgin Group, it sits under the arches at Charring Cross Railway station. Ater the closure of G-A-Y at Astoria in 2008, it merged through HMV. G-A-Y Founder Jeremy Joseph purchased the shares and the club continues to be one of London's biggest and most successful LGBTQ+ clubs with nights such as Popcorn, Porn Idol, Mood and Camp Attack.
The painting and prints include lyrics from the first song every played at Heaven, Relight My Fire (Dan Hartman), referencing the strength and love of the LGBTQ+ community. The halo being wonky alludes to how others have seen the venue and its slightly 'naughty' nature.
Acrylic and pen on canvas, 2024
2100 x 1270mm, each canvas 1800 x 610mm
£2,500
24 ct. gold, ink and pen on 330 GSM paper
Hand finished screenprint, 2024
594 x 420mm
£225
Signed Edition of 15
Ink and pen on 330 GSM paper
Hand finished screenprint, 2024
594 x 420mm
Signed Edition of 40
£190
THE BELL
Dates Active: 1982-1995
The Bell was a much-loved queer pub in Islington, known for its gritty, punk-infused spirit and unpretentious charm. From the 1980s through to the early 2010s, it drew a diverse crowd—from local punks and artists to city workers—seeking a friendly, no-nonsense space away from the more polished West End venues.
The pub gained legendary status for its “Afternoon Tea Party” events, raucous gatherings featuring DJs, drag performances, and a joyful celebration of queer community. With its peeling walls, jukebox tunes, and lively crowds, The Bell felt like a rebellious home where difference was embraced with open arms.
Rising rents and gentrification forced its closure, marking the end of a vibrant chapter in North London’s queer nightlife.
Ink and pen on 330 GSM paper,
Hand finished giclee print,
297 x 420mm
Signed edition of 30
£85 (unframed)
CLONEZONE
Dates Active: 1982 - date
In 1982, four friends frustrated by the lack of quality products for the gay community began selling t-shirts, toys, and lube from a humble wheelbarrow on the streets of Earl’s Court.
Their grassroots approach quickly gained attention, leading to a pop-up stall inside the now-closed Bromptons pub. By 1984, Clonezone had grown into Europe’s first gay superstore, opening a flagship shop near Old Compton Street.
Clonezone played a key role in bringing the ‘clone’ look—a hyper-masculine style characterised by denim, leather, and scruffy hair—to the UK’s queer scene, helping define gay style in the 1980s and beyond. More than just a shop, it became a cultural hub deeply connected to queer life and activism. They consistently supported HIV research, had their iconic leatherwear included in the V&A’s collection, and were pioneers in importing Levi’s 501 jeans to the UK.
This artwork, references the shop's origins with a juxtaposition between the shop's name and it being the first store in London of its kind.
Pen and ink on 330 GSM Paper
Hand finished Giclee print
420 x 594mm
Signed edition of 50
£125
Acrylic and pen on Canvas, 2024
762 x 1016mm
£950
BROMPTONS
Dates Active: Lord Ranelagh 1964, Bromptons from 1984 - 2008
In the early days, a notorious News of the World headline, “The Show Must Not Go On”, attacked a drag night at the Lord Ranelagh in Earl’s Court—only for the event to grow in popularity instead.
This spirit helped build what became Bromptons, a welcoming bar known for attracting many sporting the iconic “clone” look: plaid shirts, bomber jackets, and denim. It was a hub for camaraderie and queer culture amid the gritty streets of Earl’s Court.
Tragically, the bar also gained a darker reputation after multiple serial killers used it as a hunting ground in the 1980s and ’90s, casting a shadow over the community. As queer culture increasingly shifted towards Soho, Bromptons’ popularity declined, and it closed its doors in 2008.
Now known as the Pembroke Pub, the canvases in this artwork can be rearranged to create a map of the local area, with Bromptons’ location marked in red. The artist invites the owner to display the piece in whichever configuration they prefer—a personal tribute to a place that was both refuge and landmark.
Acrylic on canvas, 2024
650 x 1100mm total, Various sizes
£1,500
THE BACKSTREET
Dates Active: 1982-2022
The Backstreet was London’s iconic leather and rubber bar, renowned worldwide for its unapologetic celebration of fetish culture. From the 1980s through the early 2000s, it drew a devoted crowd of leathermen, rubber enthusiasts, and kinksters who embraced its strict dress code—leather jackets, boots, harnesses, and rubber gear were essential to gain entry.
The venue itself was a shrine to fetish style, with dozens of pairs of boots and leather paraphernalia adorning its walls, creating an immersive and electric atmosphere that both honoured and supported the leather community.
More than just a bar, The Backstreet was a social and cultural hub where queer identity and sexuality were freely expressed and celebrated. It gained international fame as a meeting place for fetish lovers, hosting events and parties that helped build and sustain London’s vibrant kink scene. The strict dress code wasn’t just about fashion—it was a declaration of belonging, creating a safe space where people could explore their desires without judgment.
Despite its fame and loyal following, rising rents and shifting nightlife trends eventually led to The Backreet’s closure, marking the end of an era for London’s fetish community. Its legacy lives on as a symbol of queer pride, sexual freedom, and underground culture.
Painting: This artwork reinterprets the iconic Tom of Finland figure that once stood as the logo of The Backstreet, incorporating the bold “XX” motif to offer a layered, graphic homage. Subtle overlays and printed elements act as visual cues—sparking recognition for those who once passed through its darkened doors.
Handkerchief: Referencing the hanky code, this black handkerchief design nods to The Backstreet’s leather legacy. A simplified street map is subtly worked into the traditional paisley motif, marking the venue’s location in a discreet, coded way—mirroring how queerness and desire often had to be signalled in plain sight.
Acrylic on Canvas, 2024
762 x 1016mm
£1,250
Ink on 100% silk, handstitched handkerchief, 2024
300 x 300mm unframed, 425 x 425mm framed
£350 (unframed)
£500 (framed)
Edition of 50 with Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Leather is Pleasure
Ink and pen on 330 GSM Paper,
Hand finished screenprint, 2024
297 x 420mm
Signed Edition of 10
£110 (unframed)
Boots
Ink and pen on 330 GSM Paper,
Hand finished screenprint, 2024
297 x 420mm
Signed Edition of 10
£110 (unframed)
[without writing]
Ink and pen on 330 GSM Paper,
Hand finished screenprint, 2024
297 x 420mm
Signed Edition of 10
£95 (unframed)
BRIEF ENCOUNTER
Dates Active: 1985 - c.1990s
Believed to be named after the 1945 film of the same name, Brief Encounter was situated in the basement of St. Martin's Lane hotel, on a street corner in Charring Cross.
Brief Encounter was a chic, intimate gay bar tucked away in St Martin’s Lane, known for its theatrical crowd and stylish vibe. Popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s, it attracted a mix of artists, performers, nightlife regulars—and a strong city crowd looking for after-work drinks.
The bar had a cosy interior with a relaxed atmosphere, but was also known for its a bit cruisy toilets and a notoriously sticky floor, adding to its gritty charm. Though it eventually closed as Soho’s nightlife shifted, Brief Encounter is fondly remembered for its blend of sophistication, queerness, and underground edge.
Ink and pen on 330 GSM paper
Hand finished screenprint with
24c. gold leaf, 2024
420 x 594mm
Signed edition of 30
£230
Ink and pen on 330 GSM paper
Hand finished screenprint, 2024
420x 594mm
£180
Signed edition of 30
THE WHITE SWAN
Dates Active: 1985 - Date
Since opening in 1985, The White Swan has been a vibrant hub for East London’s queer community. Known for its welcoming, inclusive vibe, it attracts a diverse crowd—from local regulars to city visitors—offering everything from lively drag shows and karaoke to high-energy dance nights in its popular basement club.
With events like the celebrated “Cybil’s House” queer pop parties, it continues to celebrate queer culture with a modern edge. Unlike many historic queer venues, The White Swan remains open today, a thriving landmark in East London’s evolving LGBTQ+ nightlife.
Ink and pen on 330 GSM paper
Hand finished screenprint, 2024
297 x 420mm
Signed edition of 40
£70 (unframed)
G-A-Y LATE
Dates Active: c.1990s - 2023
Tucked away in Goslett Yard, G-A-Y Late—known simply as “Lates”—was a vibrant, pop-fuelled club where central London’s LGBTQ+ crowd danced late into the night. As the lively sister venue to the iconic G-A-Y bar on Old Compton Street, it became a go-to spot for high-energy DJ sets, singalongs, and unforgettable nights out.
Despite its popularity, safety concerns for patrons leaving the venue, combined with issues caused by a nearby building site, forced G-A-Y Late to close. However, the spirit of the club lives on within Heaven nightclub, where the G-A-Y brand continues to thrive under the guidance of promoter Jeremy Joseph, keeping its legacy alive in London’s queer nightlife.
This piece is intended to mirror the disco lights on the club dancefloor, adapting the logo to reflect how many have to hide the homosexual aspect of themselves from others.
Ink on 330 GSM Paper, 2024
594 x 420mm screenprint
Signed Edition of 60
£160 (unframed)
VILLAGE
Dates Active: 1990 - 1992 / date
Originally opening on Hanway Place, an alley way north of Oxford Street it was one of the first bars in the area to have a modern design and not have its windows boarded.
After the nearby second Village opened in 1992, the first closed soon after. A friendly place known for its affordable cocktails (and a favourite haunt of the artist) it's remained in its current location on Wardour Street ever since.
Ink and pen on 330 GSM Paper
Hand finished giclee print, 2024
200 x 500mm
Signed edition of 70
£120 (unframed)
THE UNDERGROUND CLUB (STREAMS OF PLEASURE)
Dates Active: 1992 - Date
Not all queer spaces are about dancing or drag—some are about deeply rooted sexual expression and community. Streams of Pleasure is a long-running kink night held at the Underground Club in King’s Cross, dedicated to watersports enthusiasts and those exploring piss play in a safe, consensual, and welcoming environment.
Known for its strict dress codes, dark rooms, and unapologetic embrace of fetish culture, The Underground Club has become a cornerstone of London’s kink scene. It’s not just a party—it’s a space where desire, identity, and liberation meet without shame.
This yellow hanky artwork draws from the hanky code—a once covert system used in queer spaces to signal desires and kinks. Overlaid with a subtle map, it marks a spot where that language was proudly lived.
Ink on 100% silk, handstitched handkerchief, 2024
300 x 300mm unframed, 425 x 425mm framed
£350 (unframed)
£500 (framed)
Edition of 50 with Signed Certificate of Authenticity
CHARIOTS
Chariots Locations & Years of Operation:
Shoreditch – 1996 to 2016
Streatham – 1999 to 2016
Waterloo – 2003 to 2018
Farringdon – 1999 to 2010
Limehouse – 2002 to 2014 (now Sailors Sauna)
Vauxhall – 2005 to 2020/21
From the mid-1990s to the early 2020s, Chariots stood as a beacon of sexual freedom, community, and resilience in London. At its peak, the chain operated six venues across the city, offering safe, discreet spaces where men could explore their sexuality, form connections, and find belonging.
These saunas were more than just places for physical encounters—they were vital community hubs that provided health services, social spaces, and a sense of solidarity during times when queer spaces were increasingly under threat.
The first Chariots sauna opened in Shoreditch in 1996, quickly becoming the largest gay sauna in the UK. It featured multiple floors, a swimming pool, gym, and various themed rooms, attracting a diverse clientele. However, it closed in February 2016 to make way for a luxury hotel development.
The artwork for this piece references the iconic Chariots logo, with layered text subtly hinting at the private, secretive encounters and community spirit that defined the venues.
Acrylic on Canvas, 2024
610 x 1220mm
£2,100
Pink/Yellow
Ink and pen on 330 GSM Paper,
Hand finished screenprint, 2024
297 x 420mm
Signed Edition of 40
£120 (unframed)
Gold/Teal
Ink and pen on 330 GSM Paper,
Hand finished screenprint, 2024
297 x 420mm
Signed Edition of 30
£120 (unframed)
PROWLER
Dates Active: 1989 (store from 1997) - date
Starting life as Prowler Press in 1989, a publishing company focused on LGBTQ+ media, Prowler quickly gained a loyal following. This success paved the way for the opening of their first physical store in Soho in 1997, becoming one of London’s most well-known gay sex shops.
Over the years, Prowler expanded its reach with Prowler RED, a dedicated space celebrating fetish wear and adult toys, creating an inclusive environment for the fetish community. The shop has long been celebrated as more than just a retail space—it’s a safe haven and cultural hub for queer people seeking quality products alongside a welcoming community.
As Tom, Prowler’s National Manager, puts it:"Prowler stands as a safe space, a hub for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking quality products and a shared sense of belonging."
This artwork links Prowler’s instantly recognisable paw print logo with an excerpt from an early edition of Prowler Press, nodding to their roots in queer publishing and community building.
Acrylic and ink on Canvas, 2024
1016 x 1016mm
£1,700
Ink and Pen on 330 GSM paper,
Hand finished giclee print, 2024
200mm x 200mm
£80 (unframed)
Ink and Pen on 330 GSM paper,
Hand finished giclee print, 2024
200mm x 200mm
£80 (unframed)
DUKE OF WELLINGTON
Dates Active: Rat and Parrot to 2000, LGBTQ+ from 2001 - Date
Located at the end of Old Compton Street, the Duke of Wellington—affectionately known as The Welly—has been a cornerstone of Soho’s gay scene for over 20 years.
From the start, it’s been a firm favourite with the bear community, celebrated for its warm, traditional pub vibe mixed with plenty of campy, playful energy.
The Welly is more than just a bar—it’s a lively social hub where drag queens regularly host bingo nights, quizzes, and pop-themed parties, drawing a diverse crowd who come for both fun and friendship. Known for its friendly atmosphere and strong sense of community, the venue remains a welcoming space for all.
This artwork captures the spirit of The Welly, symbolising its inclusive nature and the vibrant community it continues to support.
Acrylic on Canvas, 2024
1016 X 762mm
£1,000
Ink and pen on 330 GSM Paper
Hand finished Giclee print, 2024
594 x 420mm
Signed edition of 100
£135 (unframed)
XXL
Dates Active: 2000 - 2018
Set beneath the railway arches in Southwark, XXL was a legendary club night celebrating body positivity and the bear community—welcoming plus-size, often hairy gay men and their admirers.
The cavernous space saw men dancing topless deep into the night, embracing freedom and confidence. Frequently hailed as one of London’s top LGBTQ+ nights, XXL was notable for being one of the few events to feature a dark room, creating an intimate, uninhibited atmosphere.
Though the club sadly closed in 2018 to make way for residential development, XXL lives on with monthly events in Birmingham. Meanwhile, London’s bear scene continues to thrive through nights hosted by Beef Mince and ROAST, carrying forward XXL’s spirit of celebration and inclusivity.
Ink on 330 GSM Paper,
Screenprint, 2024,
500 x 700mm
Signed Edition of 50
£160 (unframed)
UNION (FIST)
Dates Active: 2012 - 2019
FIST was a no-holds-barred institution in London’s hardcore fetish scene—an unapologetic night for those into extreme BDSM, fist play, and power exchange.
Held at Union in Vauxhall until its closure in 2019, FIST was known for its strict dress code, dark atmosphere, and deep commitment to kink authenticity. Alongside the cruising and play, regulars often praised the quality of the music, making it almost as much a dance night as a fetish one.
Drawing inspiration from European sex clubs, FIST welcomed leathermen, pups, daddies, and kinksters of all kinds into a space built on trust, respect, and radical freedom.
This red handkerchief artwork uses the hanky code’s symbol for fisting to mark the intensity and connection fostered at FIST, with a faint map referencing the venue’s location—honouring a space that gave community to those on kink’s rawer edge.
Ink on 100% silk, handstitched handkerchief, 2024
300 x 300mm unframed, 425 x 425mm framed
£350 (unframed)
£500 (framed)
Edition of 50 with Signed Certificate of Authenticity
THE GLORY
Dates Active: 2014 - 2024
Opened in 2010 in Hackney, The Glory quickly became a beloved hub for queer nightlife, famed for its wild, unapologetic spirit where drag, cabaret, and punk collided. The venue was renowned for its inclusive, fiercely creative atmosphere that welcomed everyone.
Central to its charm were hosts John Sizzle and Jonny Woo, whose sharp wit and dynamic performances made every night unforgettable. Their presence helped shape The Glory into a vibrant platform for experimental queer art and community.
Although The Glory has now closed, its spirit lives on just up the road at The Divine, where John Sizzle and Jonny Woo continue to bring their unique brand of queer entertainment to East London.
Ink and pen on 330 GSM Paper
Hand finished Giclee print, 2024
210 x 148mm
Signed edition of 60
£35 (unframed)
LORD CLYDE
Dates Active: 2022 - Date
In a time when many LGBTQ+ venues are closing their doors, The Lord Clyde stands as a rare and defiant exception—opening as a proudly queer cruise bar in the heart of Southwark.
Blending old-school pub charm with a bold, unapologetic edge, it’s already made a name for itself with regular themed fetish nights—ranging from underwear to daddies, to military gear—welcoming a crowd of curious newcomers and seasoned kinksters alike. Its darkened corners and cruisy atmosphere echo the spirit of classic gay bars from decades past, reborn for a new generation.
The artwork’s blue handkerchief nods to the hanky code tradition—where blue signals an interest in anal sex—offering a subtle tribute to the vibrant kink culture this venue embraces.
Ink on 100% silk, handstitched handkerchief, 2024
300 x 300mm unframed, 425 x 425mm framed
£350 (unframed)
£500 (framed)
Edition of 50 with Signed Certificate of Authenticity
HUNTER
Dates Active: 2023 - date
Held monthly at Electrowerkz in Angel, Hunter is run by Brew Hunter and has quickly become a vital fixture in London’s kink and fetish scene. Picking up where the legendary Backstreet left off, Hunter offers more than just a party—it’s a community hub.
The night features kink masterclasses, a dedicated fetish art gallery, and spaces like a cigar yard and cruise area, creating a welcoming environment for exploration and connection. With a strong focus on inclusivity and support, Hunter continues to nurture and celebrate the leather and fetish communities in East London.
Master screen print -Alludes to the Dom nature of some that attend Hunter. It also alludes to both the masterclasses and that occur at the night, and the 'Mastery' classes from which the entire event originated
Master
Ink and pen on 330 GSM Paper
Hand finished screenprint, 2024
200 x 500mm
Signed Edition of 10
£80 (unframed)
Yes Sir Refers to the more submissive nature of some of the fetish community that attend Hunter events
Yes Sir
Ink and pen on 330 GSM Paper
Hand finished screenprint, 2024
200 x 500mm
Signed Edition of 10
£80 (unframed)
Asylum screenprint - References the most popular cigar brand smoked as part of the BLUF (leatherman) look, typically smoked at the event.
Asylum
Ink and pen on 330 GSM Paper
Hand finished screenprint, 2024
500 x 200mm
Signed Edition of 10
£80 (unframed)
THE DIVINE
Dates Active: 2024 -
Taking up the mantle from The Glory, The Divine is a fresh and vibrant queer bar in East London’s Hackney, carrying forward the spirit of bold, inclusive nightlife. With John Sizzle at the helm, the venue blends cabaret, drag, and experimental performance in a welcoming space that champions creativity and community.
Building on The Glory’s legacy, The Divine offers a dynamic programme of events and nights that celebrate the diversity and vibrancy of London’s LGBTQ+ scene, making it a new cornerstone for queer culture in the area.
Acrylic on Canvas, 2024
762 x 305mm
£500
LGBTQ+ MEMORIES PROJECT
As many beloved queer venues face closure, it’s more important than ever to capture and celebrate their impact on our communities and culture.
This project collects memories, stories, and reflections from those who experienced the unique energy, joy, and sanctuary these spaces offered. By sharing these personal histories, we honour the power of queer venues to create connection, safety, and identity.
If you have memories of any closed queer venue in London or beyond, we invite you to participate and help preserve these important stories. Your voice matters in keeping the spirit of these spaces alive for future generations.
Join the project and share your memories online here:https://www.recognition-art.com/participate2024
LGBTQ+ Memories Project
Ink and pen on 330 GSM Paper
Hand finished screenprint, 2024
420mm x 297mm
Unique Signed Editions
£40 (unframed)
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