The front of the hotel, next to Paddington Station

When one of the owners of The Hilton Hotel in Paddington, London, recently saw one of my "Thanks For Everything" prints (Paddington Bear depicted on a £50 note), they commissioned me to create a large hand finished full banknote version for a the hotel's lobby.

This commission celebrates not only the iconic bear but also the rich heritage of the hotel and its location next to Paddington train station, where, of course Paddington Bear got his name!

(For more information on how the original artwork was created, see this page here).

The Significance of Location

Created by Michael Bond, Paddington Bear was named after the station where he was found by the Brown family. This connection makes the Hilton Paddington an ideal place to display artwork celebrating the bear.

The hotel itself has a fascinating history. It was originally known as the Great Western Royal Hotel, when it opened in 1854 it became the first luxury hotel in London. This heritage adds layers of meaning to the artwork, linking the past and present of the location.

The Artwork Concept

Inspired by a vintage advert I found, from The Victorian times, for The Great Western Royal Hotel I elaborated on it to create a unique design which I applied over the print in acrylic paint using pens and bushes. This process transforms a standard print into a one-of-a-kind artwork. The vintage-style signage elements honor the hotel's history as the Great Western Royal Hotel. Hopefully these details give the piece a timeless feel, blending modern techniques with historical references.

Drawing some of the Victorian signage design in acrylic paint pen

Close up of a section of the completed hand finished paintwork

Permission and Collaboration

After reaching out to the copyright holders I was thankfully granted permission to use Paddington Bear for this project, ensuring the collaboration was both respectful and official.

Working closely with Hilton Paddington allowed me to tailor the artwork to the hotel's unique identity. The result is a piece that fits perfectly within the hotel's environment and resonates with guests familiar with the story of Paddington Bear.

James (me) beneath the piece. (Artwork size: 200 x 110cm)

Site Specific Context

Displaying this artwork at Hilton Paddington is an honour for me and hopefully does more than decorate a wall. It celebrates a character beloved by generations and ties him to a place of historical importance where it will perhaps continue to hang for many decades to come.

Guests at the hotel will be able to appreciate the story behind the artwork, experiencing Paddington Bear’s origins and the hotel’s legacy. This connection enriches their stay in London and offers a small cultural experience.

The completed artwork

Thanks to Arteum Printers in Mithcam, London for producing the print.

Thanks also to Kings Court Galleries in Fulham, London for framing and to Trevor for hanging it.