Louis’s goal is to break down the barriers of traditional fine art, making his work accessible and meaningful to those who might not typically step into a gallery. Through honest, evocative visuals, Pub Money sparks conversation about belonging, resilience, and the pride held quietly in the everyday.
We are excited to present the first solo exhibition of Louis Wootton-Davies at Soden Collection. Titled "Pub Money,"this exhibition delves deep into the often-overlooked narratives of the British working class, offering a fresh perspective on identity and heritage through powerful visual storytelling.
The title Pub Money draws from a colloquial expression commonly used to describe the extra hours and side hustles that help make ends meet. It's a phrase rooted in everyday life—where working overtime isn't just about survival, but about reclaiming a small sense of agency and joy. With this in mind, Louis Wootton-Davies uses his art to explore the nuances of working-class identity with empathy, nostalgia, and grit.
Born in Shrewsbury and now based in Oxford, Louis draws inspiration from his personal history and the landscapes that shaped his upbringing. His paintings are based on a blend of historical family photos and recent photographs taken in and around Shrewsbury. The result is an evocative visual journey that blends past and present, steeped in memory and realism.
All of Louis’s images are deeply personal, rooted in his family’s history and the spirit of his hometown. Drawing from archives of his parents and grandparents—long-time business owners in Shrewsbury—Louis uses these photographs to reimagine moments of everyday life. Alongside these historic references, he incorporates his own photography of contemporary scenes, creating a layered narrative that reflects both continuity and change.
“This exhibition is a deeply personal journey for me. The images I create are not just reflections of my own history but of the stories embedded in the fabric of Shrewsbury. By blending past family photographs with my own contemporary work, I aim to connect generations, offering a new perspective on British, working-class heritage and its place in today’s world.” – Louis Wootton-Davies
Pub Money is not merely a nod to the past—it’s a reflection on the realities of working-class life today. Louis’s work captures the raw, authentic spirit of these communities, often challenging stereotypes and inviting a deeper understanding. Through both personal and collective storytelling, his paintings ask us to look again—at where we come from, and at what we often overlook.
This exhibition holds a special significance for gallery owner Jonathan Soden, who shares a similar working-class background. He reflects, “Louis’s work really resonates with me—there’s a nostalgic quality to his pieces that speaks directly to my own upbringing. I’m excited to bring this exhibition to Shrewsbury and share it with our community.”
Louis’s goal is to break down the barriers of traditional fine art, making his work accessible and meaningful to those who might not typically step into a gallery. Through honest, evocative visuals, Pub Money sparks conversation about belonging, resilience, and the pride held quietly in the everyday.
We invite you to experience "Pub Money"—a compelling exhibition that brings British history and personal storytelling to life with heart, humour, and humanity.
Preview
We will be hosting a preview of the exhibition on Friday 1st August from 6pm. We encourage everyone who would like to attend the preview to RSVP with Eventbrite by clicking here.
