Bill Opticians

Do you know that feeling of going somewhere every day and being so familiar with it that you don’t see something special or obvious – and then feeling delighted when you notice it? That’s what I want to do with my art.

I’ve been sketching in Newton Abbot again. This is the gloriously Art Deco building which houses Bill Opticians in Wolborough Street, Newton Abbot. Fabulous, isn’t it?

Bill Opticians - Sketching Newton Abbot - The Hall of Einar - (c) David Bailey (not the)

Here are some comments on my sketch from Facebook:

We all notice the shop fronts but fail to appreciate the beautiful designs above.

I want to delete Facebook – and then your lovely sketches pop up, so I delay again.

Another amazing job! Thankfully, there are many places left in Newton for you to sketch! Wonderful as always!


Part of my Postcards from Newton Abbot series of postcard-sized ink and watercolour sketches.

Ink: Platinum brun sepia pigmented ink
Pen: Sailor Fude de Mannen fountain pen
Watercolour: Derwent Graphitint watercolours

More Postcards from Newton Abbot

The Abbot - Sketching Newton Abbot - The Hall of Einar - (c) David Bailey (not the) The Abbot Do you know that feeling of going somewhere every day and being so familiar with it that you don’t see… read more
Sketching Newton Abbot - The Richard Hopkins - The Hall of Einar - (c) David Bailey (not the) The Richard Hopkins I've been sketching in Newton Abbot again, this time the local Wetherspoons pub, The Richard Hopkins. Here's what the framed… read more
Sketching Newton Abbot - The Pharmacy Cafe - The Hall of Einar - (c) David Bailey (not the) The Pharmacy I've been sketching in Newton Abbot again. There are still many historic places despite the widespread destruction of our heritage.… read more
Sketching Newton Abbot - Phoenix Sounds - The Hall of Einar - (c) David Bailey (not the) Phoenix Sounds I've been sketching in Newton Abbot again. This time it's my local record shop, Phoenix Sounds. I love the vinyl… read more
Sketching Newton Abbot - Indulgence Tea Rooms - The Hall of Einar - (c) David Bailey (not the) Indulgence Tea Rooms I've been sketching in Newton Abbot again. This time it's the Indulgence Tea Rooms in Devon Square. Here's what they… read more
Sketching Newton Abbot - Newton Abbot Bowling Club - The Hall of Einar - (c) David Bailey (not the) Newton Abbot Bowling Club I’ve been sketching again in Newton Abbot, in Devon, this time it's Newton Abbot Bowling Club in Courtenay Park. The… read more
Sketching Newton Abbot - John Lethbridge Underwater Diving Engine - The Hall of Einar - (c) David Bailey (not the) John Lethbridge’s Diving Engine I’ve been sketching again in Newton Abbot, this time it's the replica of John Lethbridge's Diving Engine in Newton Abbot Museum.… read more
Sketching Newton Abbot - The Hall of Einar - (c) David Bailey (not the) The Golden Lion This town centre pub was originally called The Oxford Arms. Its foundations were laid in 1623 and its name was… read more
Sketching Newton Abbot - The Hall of Einar - (c) David Bailey (not the) Ye Olde Cider Bar Ye Olde Cider Bar is one of only a handful of remaining cider houses. read more

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