Hello readers, as The Stratford Artist my favourite subjects are the historic buildings of Stratford-upon-Avon. A few years ago, I started a project to draw and paint all the town's structures that are on Historic England's "listed buildings" schedule. There are over 350 in the town centre alone of which I have dealt with 50 or so.

To add unique interest to my work I do a little research into the history of each building looking for a quirky story, be it fact or fable, which I then illustrate with my little characters.

This is the second in a series of articles featuring a picture and story from my historic buildings collection. I hope you like it.

The Garrick Inn

This well-known pub sits on Stratford-upon-Avon High Street opposite its junction with Sheep Street. Records suggest that there has been a tavern on the site at various times since the 14th century but the main structure of the current building dates from around 1596. This was built as a dwelling house after the great fire of 1595 which destroyed so much of the town. It returned to being a tavern in 1718.

Neighbouring Harvard House was built around the same time and retains the original 1596 frontage, but many do not realise that from about 1800 the "Garrick Tavern" had a rather ugly cement rendered brick frontage hiding the 16th century timber frame.

In the early 20th century, the town elders realised that the growing tourist trade was attracted by the Tudor "black and white" buildings so in 1912 the trend of "Tudorising" resulted in the removal of the cement rendered frontage to The Garrick. Whilst little survived of the original timbers the pattern of the skilful reconstruction which followed was based on a few remnants.

The Garrick deserves a Grade II* listing which means it is a "particularly important building of more than special interest". The tavern was first called The Reindeer and then The Greyhound before being renamed The Garrick in 1795 to honour the Shakespearean actor David Garrick and recognise his support for the town. My picture reflects on the changing names as the greyhound exits stage left and the reindeer (with seasonal red nose!) exits stage right...theatre aficionados will understand this description which seems the wrong way round!

Originals or prints from my historic buildings collection are often available and I welcome commissions for portraits of your home or other favourite building. Email me at ken.morgan96@yahoo.com for details.

© Ken Morgan

Ken Morgan, aka The Stratford Artist, is a professional artist working from his studio close to the River Avon in Stratford-upon-Avon. His favourite subjects are the historic buildings and structures in and around his hometown. He works in ink and watercolour. Architectural accuracy is important, but his style brings life to the pictures, often helped by the addition of humorous or quirky characters.

Another thing...can you find the little blackbird which appears in all Ken's pictures?

See more of Ken Morgan's work on Instagram @thestratfordartist.