Joe Mayhook has been a resident of Bankside for over five decades, witnessing the neighborhood’s transformations and capturing its essence through his daily paintings. From the days of Cardboard City to the emergence of a vibrant tourist destination, Mr. Mayhook’s artwork reflects the spirit and resilience of his beloved home.
Growing up in Upper Ground during Margaret Thatcher’s time as Prime Minister, Mr. Mayhook recalls a village-like atmosphere with deserted streets after office workers left for the day. He fondly remembers the bleak yet charming landscape of Bankside, where empty buildings and construction sites served as playgrounds for children.
As the acid house rave scene took hold in the late 1980s, Mr. Mayhook found inspiration in the derelict warehouses where iconic bands performed. His passion for art led him to capture the changing landscape of Bankside, preserving memories of the past through his sketches and paintings.
Despite the rapid changes in the neighborhood, Mr. Mayhook’s artwork focuses on historic landmarks like Borough Market and Southwark Cathedral, highlighting the enduring beauty of these structures. His first solo exhibition at Southwark Cathedral is a dream come true, showcasing his lifelong dedication to capturing the essence of Bankside through art.
For Mr. Mayhook, painting has been a way of holding onto the past and expressing his love for his community. Through his artwork, he invites others to see Bankside through his eyes, appreciating the unique blend of history and modernity that defines the neighborhood.
As visitors explore the BANKSIDE 52 NOT OUT exhibition, they will witness the evolution of Bankside through the eyes of a dedicated artist who has chronicled its journey for the past two decades. Mr. Mayhook’s paintings serve as a testament to the resilience of a neighborhood that has been loved, forgotten, and revived time and time again.
