The Monumental Undertaking of Jack Hines: A Lifetime Dedicated to Drawing London
Jack Hines, a 30-year-old former architect, has embarked on an extraordinary mission: to draw every single building in London. This ambitious project encompasses not only the iconic landmarks and grand structures but also the everyday homes, workplaces, garages, and even public toilets that constitute the fabric of this sprawling metropolis. Driven by a deep fascination with London’s diverse architectural landscape and a desire to preserve its evolving character, Hines has committed his life to this monumental task, acknowledging that its completion will likely coincide with his own mortality.
Hines’s journey began around two and a half years ago after he left his architectural career, feeling disillusioned with the profession. While he briefly explored the whisky industry, his artistic passion persisted, finding an outlet in sketching and drawing during his spare time. The idea of meticulously documenting London’s buildings through art resonated deeply with him, providing a new purpose and a creative challenge of immense scale. He envisions his work as a "snapshot" of London’s long history, captured within the timeframe of his own life.
The sheer magnitude of Hines’s undertaking is staggering. Greater London, covering over 600 square miles and housing millions of buildings, presents a seemingly endless canvas. In two and a half years, Hines estimates he has completed only a tiny fraction of the total area, a testament to the enormity of his chosen project. Yet, he remains undeterred, approaching his task with unwavering determination and a meticulous approach. Each drawing demands an average of three days to complete, with some intricate pieces requiring up to a week of dedicated work to achieve the desired level of detail and accuracy.
Hines’s artistic focus extends across the entire spectrum of London’s architectural tapestry. From historic pubs steeped in tradition to gleaming modern office blocks, he strives to capture the essence of every structure. However, it is the remnants of London’s past, the buildings that whisper stories of bygone eras, that truly ignite his artistic passion. He finds the older buildings, with their intricate details, ornate windows, and sculpted statues, far more compelling subjects than the often stark and utilitarian designs of modern architecture.
To sustain his project and share his work with a wider audience, Hines sells his drawings on his website. These are offered as original pieces, prints, and postcards, catering to a range of budgets and preferences. He also accepts commissions, allowing individuals to immortalize buildings of personal significance. Among his commissioned works are his father’s house in Croydon and the iconic Tower Bridge, crafted as a gift for his grandmother. Currently, Hines is systematically working his way through the London Underground stations, aiming to capture every station in meticulous detail.
While Hines relishes the opportunity to depict London’s architectural gems, he acknowledges the less glamorous aspects of his mission. Documenting the city in its entirety means confronting even the most mundane structures, including public toilets, a task he admits is less appealing. He also finds the process of drawing modern buildings, often characterized by plain brick walls and concrete facades, less engaging than the intricate details and historical richness of older architecture. Nevertheless, he remains committed to capturing the full spectrum of London’s built environment, embracing both the beautiful and the mundane. Hines views London as "one of, if not the greatest city on the planet," and believes there is no greater artistic pursuit than to draw every building this city has to offer. His unwavering dedication and meticulous approach transform a seemingly impossible task into a lifelong artistic odyssey, a testament to the power of individual passion and the enduring allure of London’s ever-changing landscape.
