Belle Epoque: Red Coat version

Two years ago Eric, the owner of Belle Epoque (the amazingly good patisserie on Newington Green) commissioned me to draw his shop. Due to the lack of a deadline, I finally got around to finishing it last week and it arrived fresh from the printers this morning.

In total it took about eight solid days of drawing by hand, then digitally colouring and shading. I've just handed it to him and he's already talking about having it printed on postcards and mugs, so I'm incredibly relieved he liked it!


Belle Epoque print (Red Coat version, Artist's Proof), 2012

The illustration is based on source photos I took on a Monday, the one day of the week when the shop is closed. My thinking was that I wouldn't bother the customers that way and no one would notice what I was doing, but within about 10 seconds of getting my camera out I noticed a red blob out of the corner of my eye jumping up and down shouting "draw me! draw me!". It turned out to be Eric, so that's him you can see in the doorway.

If you're interested in buying a print of this, email me on microsketchdesign@gmail.com and let me know. It is available as an edition of 20 as an unframed A4 giclée print on finest Hahnemühle Photo Rag archival paper for £50 (+P&P or free hand delivery if you live in N16) and I've already had two orders, so don't leave it too late.


Belle Epoque (Red Coat version), 2012


Also available is the Pâtissier version of the print.

Hair This

I recently photographed and designed a website and for Jane Edwards, a rather excellent hairdresser in Stoke Newington. If the top of your head is looking shabby, and you're in the N16 neighbourhood, I highly recommend a visit. She's right next door to brand new cafe, Fred & Fran which is also very good.



Jane Edwards,
53A Kynaston Road,
Stoke Newington,
London N16 0EB

Telephone: 020 7241 0393

To the Rescue

I recently designed and built a website for Search & Rescue, a new shop in north London (oh, and produced the photography for).


Search & Rescue homepage

In terms of what they sell, in the words of its owners:

'Some things are old, some things are new, and most things are truly unique.'

If you're ever on Stoke Newington Church St, why not pop in? They're at number 121, opposite The Lion pub.

The eagle-eyed among you may have spotted one of my prints in one of the screenshots here, which is on sale at the shop.


Search & Rescue homepage

Going Postal

A postcard I designed for Search & Rescue, Stoke Newington Church Street's new premier shopping location.