Is that really you, Joshua?
May 16 2025
Picture: AB
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
I was off researching at the Heinz Library at the NPG earlier this week and was bemused to spot this new bar which opened on the corner of St Martin's Street and Orange Street. It is called Joshua's Tavern, in honour of Sir Joshua Reynolds PRA who lived and worked in Leicester Square until his death in 1792. Curiously, the designers behind the bar's branding, a company called 'En Viu' have used a 'portrait' of Reynolds on their sign that I don't readily recognise. After consulting with Will Bayliss, another Reynolds nut, he doesn't seem to recognise it either.*
Is this case of an imposter pub sign?! Or is the image a later Victorian reimagining of the artist, or an AI recreation?! Why not just use one of his painted portraits, such as the Duchess of Roxburghe portrait which sold in 2015.
* - I'm sure a reader will get in touch if there is a source we've missed somewhere!
