St Paul’s School, Hammersmith

About 2 years ago, the husband of an old school friend of mine (an Old Pauline) asked me to paint a watercolour portrait from a black and white etching he possessed of his school. It was dated 1880 and had been penned by the school’s architect, Alfred Waterhouse. I know this was a rare etching of the school because when I was researching my painting, I contacted the Archivist at Mercer’s Hall and she asked for a copy of the etching because their archives did not possess one!

My painting took ages to produce using accurate representations of the colours used when the school was built in 1880. The school in Hammersmith was demolished in 1968, (except for the ‘School House’ Boarding House – left forefront) and a new one purchased in SW13.

St Paul’s School in London was used by General Sir Bernard Montgomery as the headquarters of his 21st Army Group in the months prior to D-Day. Montgomery, an ex-pupil at the School, took great delight in occupying the Headmasters office.

Several briefings for senior officers and VIPs held at the School before D-Day. Most notably, the final briefing to senior officers on the plans for D-Day was held here on 15 May 1944. Those attending included Montgomery, Prime Minister Winston Churchill, King George VI and General Eisenhower, as well as many other senior personnel. The School moved in 1968, and the buildings in Hammersmith were demolished in 1970.

Placing an Order

To place an order you will need to select which option you prefer from the dropdown below.

The size of the print is 13½” x 6½” in a mount of  20” x 12”.
If you opt for a frame this makes the overall size 21” by 13”.

Payment can be made by BACS or cheque. Please allow up to 14 days for delivery.