Allin, John: Cat and Mutton
22in. x 25.2in.
oil on canvas
HGH comments: John Allin lived in a divided world: one of work and drink, the other of painting. He was a truck driver in London, all money went to support his painting and his drinking. (of busy mainstreet) One of his best efforts probably culminated in Bath House, because he has taken a theme and repeated it without going outside the painting, it is all contained within. A busy world of vendors and main streets is how he saw London. It doesn’t fall apart, but it doesn’t stick together. I would not have bought it if I didn’t know he wasn’t going to make it much longer. Otherwise I would have waited for something more accomplished. The market for naïve has shrunk considerably, the demand and supply.
We have the original receipt and photo of the work