The Raven, Battersea Square
Watercolour by J.T. Wilson depicting The Raven, Battersea Square. 1867.
This painting captures a street scene centred around The Raven, a public house in Battersea. The building features curved gables, multiple chimneys, and a prominent sign advertising “HODGSONS Celebrated PALE ALE,” reflecting its role as a local social hub.
Several figures animate the foreground including a person carrying a basket, another drawing water from a well, and several others gathered near the entrance. A couple of dogs add a touch of everyday realism.
The Raven stood as a landmark in Battersea Square since at least 1663, possibly earlier. Originally known as the Black Raven, it was open by 1701 and became a central fixture of the local community. The building was Grade II listed in 1954. Rumoured to have been visited by King Charles II after the Restoration, the pub originally served as a coaching inn, and there were tales of secret passageways beneath the building. The back area served as a stable as late as the 1950s.
Artist Biography
J. T. Wilson (active 1856–1882) A British watercolourist known for his detailed depictions of London and the surrounding countryside, J. T. Wilson exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy and Suffolk Street Galleries during the mid to late 19th century. His works often feature civic landmarks, village squares, and public houses, rendered with architectural precision and atmospheric charm.