The New Microcosm of London

Chris Orr's series of prints entitled 'The New Microcosm of London' was inspired by Rudolph Ackermann's 19th century publication 'The Microcosm of London'. Despite the difference in date, both works offer a visual record of London, from the perspective of contemporary printmakers.

Orr's portrayal of Paddington station is a plate from this series. It is reminiscent of Victorian panoramas, in particular 'The Railway Station' by William Powell Frith. Using Frith's 1862 painting as his starting point, Orr populates Paddington Station with a cross-section of 20th century society. Individuals depicted by the artist range from businessmen and punks to day-trippers and schoolchildren. Just to the right of centre, Paddington Bear can be seen emerging from a taxi.

By concentrating on 'types' and comically depicting individuals in the scene, Orr's print follows in the tradition of British caricature artists such as James Gillray and Thomas Rowlandson.

Orr, who lives and works in London, has been a frequent visitor to Paddington station since the age of nine, when he was a trainspotter. Between 1998 and 2008, the artist was Professor and Head of Department of Printmaking at the Royal College of Art. He was awarded an MBE in 2008.