An Evening at the Grapes, by Alice West.

Repro ID: H3743

Description: Built in 1720, on the site of a previous pub, the Grapes Tavern served the maritime community around Limehouse Basin. It is believed that this pub was immortalised by Charles Dickens in 'Our Mutual Friend', where it was called the Six Jolly Fellowship Porters. In his novel, Dickens mentions the preparation of ‘hot purl’; this was heated and sweetened porter. It was popular in Thames side public houses with customers engaged in cold outdoor work and was also sold from boats in the river. This painting of the tavern was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1949.

Creator: Alice West

Date: 1930s

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London