The Crown of Kirkgate 30" x 40" Oil on canvas

The Crown of Kirkgate...

 is a depiction of Kirkgate market in Leeds, England. I collected the reference material for the painting on site and completed the work in my studio.

Kirkgate market is the largest enclosed market in Europe. Inside, there are an endless amount of vendors selling everything you can image. ( According to Wikipedia there are 800 stalls and 100,000.00 visitors per week!) The market dates from 1822 and was originally open-air, however it is rather rainy in Leeds so they decided to put a roof on it. And what a magnificent roof! I learned that the grandeur was an effort to improve the neighborhood, which at the time was considered fragile. The investment seems to have paid-off. Hope you enjoy my interpretation of the architecture.