Sir William Orpen, R.H.A., R.A. (1878-1931)

In this drawing Orpen is recalling his Slade days, circa 1899, sharing a pint or two with his friend and fellow student, Augustus John. Perhaps he was lamenting the loss of John's friendship, or the carefree student life, albeit somewhat impoverished, as the "No Cheques Taken" sign above the bar may indicate. In his sub-title Orpen borrows his friend George Moore's Memoirs title, Memoirs of My Dead Life, William Heinemann, 1906.
The Orpen Research Project.