“I now have a room such as I always longed for” These words penned by Vincent van Gogh himself greet you at the Vincent Van Gogh Plaque. This unassuming blue ceramic plaque marks a pivotal point in the life of one of history’s greatest artists. It sits proudly on a building at 87 Hackford Road South Lambeth. This humble dwelling housed the young Van Gogh during his time in London between 1873 and 1874.
The plaque is more than just a marker. It’s a portal to a time when a 20-year-old Van Gogh worked for the prestigious art dealers Goupil & Co in Covent Garden. He found refuge from the city’s bustle in this three-storey terraced house. He shared it with the Loyer family. He enjoyed their warm family atmosphere. He described it as amusing. His letters reveal his contentment. He was happy with his lodgings without sloping beams and blue wallpaper.
However his happiness was short-lived. Van Gogh harbored an unrequited love for Eugenie Loyer the daughter of the house. This secret romance coloured his time at 87 Hackford Road. His feelings were sadly not reciprocated. Eugenie was already engaged. His disappointment led him to seek new lodgings in Kensington New Road. He left Hackford Road in the summer of 1874. His London sojourn was cut short.
Despite the heartbreak this time in London proved transformative. Van Gogh immersed himself in British culture. He read widely. Dickens Eliot and Rossetti were amongst his favourite authors. He frequented museums and galleries. He walked for miles. He even sketched street scenes though none survive. He was particularly moved by the works of John Constable and John Everett Millais. Constable’s The Cornfield especially inspired him. His own later cornfield paintings bear witness to this influence.
This unassuming plaque isn’t just about a building. It commemorates a significant period. It marks a young man’s transition. He went from an art dealer to an artist. It reflects an era of personal growth. He experienced both joy and heartbreak. It underscores a pivotal chapter in the life of a genius.
The plaque stands as a testament to Van Gogh’s formative years. His time in London undoubtedly shaped his artistic vision. It’s a quiet reminder. It’s a reminder of his remarkable journey. Remember to take a moment to reflect on the profound influence of this place. Reflect on this small corner of London that played such a vital role in the life of Vincent van Gogh.