Right here, on this quiet street, in the heart of London, sits a simple blue plaque. It’s a tribute to the lives of Michael and Vivien Noakes, a couple who, despite their individual success in art and literature, chose to make their home here for over 30 years. This modest plaque might seem like just another marker in a city overflowing with them, but for those who knew them, it represents much more.
Michael Noakes was a celebrated portrait painter. He captured some of history’s most notable figures on canvas, including the Queen, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and even Bill Clinton in the Oval Office. Vivien, on the other hand, was an acclaimed literary scholar, known for her insightful analyses of works by great authors. This plaque, however, doesn’t just commemorate their accomplishments. It speaks of their time here, their lives lived together, and the rich tapestry of relationships they wove in this very house.
The plaque reads “Michael Noakes painter, Vivien Noakes writer, lived here 1974 – 2007.” The place itself became their haven – a gathering point for a kaleidoscope of personalities. From fellow artists and writers to prominent politicians and diplomats, their home, Number 146, served as a buzzing hub for lively discussions and intellectual exchange, much like a London salon of the past.
You can almost feel the warmth of their home, picturing their guests, debating art and literature around their dining table, sipping tea and enjoying each other’s company. This plaque, although seemingly silent, tells a vibrant story of a unique couple who brought together the world of art and literature, fostering a shared love for creativity and intellectual dialogue. That story lives on not just in their work but also within the walls of this house, forever intertwined with the history of this street.