Depictions of Le Petit Bistro and Two Frenchies have been included among paintings of London pubs and French cafes and bistros, in a collection described by the venue itself as reflecting ‘the cultural and human ties that unite France and the United Kingdom, celebrating the places where local residents, visitors, and the stories of everyday life come together’.
Louise, with French/Guernsey parentage, has previously exhibited work in this vein at Guernsey Chamber of Commerce, Art at The Park Gallery and the town hall in Biberach in southern Germany. She said she was ‘deeply touched’ to be recognised as a French artist living in Britain, which is the category of artist the rolling programme aims to showcase.
‘I heard about the opportunity through Guernsey’s honorary consul and submitted a proposal directly to the consulate when the applications opened in 2024,’ said Louise.
‘I was really thrilled to be accepted by the London panel and over the 18 months following acceptance, I created the body of work for the show, spending time in London and Paris, painting en plein air and exploring neighbourhoods in search of locations that captured the spirit of both cities.’
Louise has long been inspired by the idea that every community has its own special bar, pub or restaurant, each with its own story.
‘I’ve always felt an affinity with places and buildings, and I like to paint locations rooted in reality,’ she says.
‘Growing up in Guernsey, with strong connections to both France and Britain, I became fascinated by the way these everyday places reflect our shared culture and sense of belonging. We mourn a favourite pub or much-loved restaurant when it closes, we treasure photographs from nights out, and many of us have tucked away the odd coaster or two. Painting these places is my way of celebrating those moments of conviviality.’
Naturally enough, Louise began with venues close to home and her depictions of The Plough Inn, Dorset Arms and Harbour Lights can be found at louiselepelley.com, along with several other familiar Guernsey pubs. To help fund better paints and papers, she produced prints of her paintings, which proved popular.
‘I later developed a postcard series to make the artwork more accessible and collectible,’ she says.
‘That idea was inspired by the postcards my French grandmother faithfully sent me every week. Over time, the project expanded to include cafes and bistros across France and Britain, with a detour to Germany after I was invited to exhibit in Biberach. The work has grown into an exploration of hospitality, heritage and the social rituals that connect us, wherever we are. Along the way, I’ve discovered the stories behind the French heritage paint makers I use, such as Charvin and Sennelier, and have built wonderful friendships with artists and collectors through sharing stories, techniques and a love of place.’
Louise faced ‘airport-level security’ at the venue in South Kensington, with her and her paintings being screened through. But now the two French-owned Guernsey eateries, past and present, are on display alongside London pubs such as The Crown & Cushion near Waterloo and The Churchill Arms in Kensington, and Parisian favourites such as Cafe de Flore and Au Chien Qui Fume.
The exhibition, which Louise has called A La Votre/Cheers! continues until 17 August, although only those who have an appointment at the consulate will have the privilege of seeing it.
‘It’s an intimate exhibition, designed to offer French visitors a little reminder of home while celebrating the connections between France and the UK.
‘The consulate embodies the long-standing relationship between France and the UK. As someone whose life and artistic practice have been shaped by both countries, exhibiting here feels incredibly meaningful. I hope the paintings encourage visitors to reflect on the everyday places that bring us together and the connections we share across borders,' she added.
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