A Google streetview of the Van Gogh residence in London (via Google maps) and, right, a sketch by Van Gogh of the building as it appeared in the 1870s. (via Guardian)
In other Vincent-related new, Chinese art collector Robbie Cao decided that a Van Gogh painting was out of his price range so he did the next best thing and bought a house in the Brixton neighborhood of London for €676,000 where the famous Dutch painter lived in 1873 and 1874..
When Radio Netherlands Worldwide asked Cao about the run-down Victorian house that he has never even seen, he said he purchased it because to work in that house “must be the most inspiring thing ever.” The former owner, who would only identify himself as Mark, said that he grew up in Van Gogh’s bedroom and “I often drew pictures in it, but I didn’t get any of his talent.”
The Dutch news story has the reason why Van Gogh eventually moved from the very humble abode:
His life here was far from carefree. Before signing the contract, he had fallen passionately in love with the landlord’s 19-year-old daughter. His feelings were unreciprocated. Eugénie Loyer felt nothing for the over-emotional Dutchman. She found his behaviour embarrassing and, a year later, Van Gogh moved to a different address in South London.
The most authentic part of the purchase is probably the vintage Victorian outdoor toilet, which was probably used by the artist himself. If that outhouse shows up in a museum show one day I wouldn’t be surprise. Of course, it wouldn’t be the first toilet to be exhibited in a gallery.
Jonathan Jones of The Guardian has a video tour of the home, and he provides more context to the artist’s time in London.
