Thu Sep 19 02:27:00 UTC 2024: ## Local Artist Honors Beloved Pub Manager with Moving Caricature
**Dorchester, UK** – In a touching tribute to a dearly missed local figure, artist Howard O’Brien has created a large-scale caricature celebrating the members of the Junction pub’s “Monday Club,” with a special focus on late bar manager Kevin Cope.
Cope, who tragically passed away in 2022 at the young age of 44, was a cherished member of the pub community. O’Brien, who joined the Monday Club himself after struggling with artistic burnout, decided to honor his friend and fellow club member by creating a caricature of each participant. Over a year, he diligently produced 37 portraits of clubgoers and staff, as well as nine pets, culminating in a remarkable piece of art displayed prominently at the Junction.
The central figure of the caricature is a portrait of Cope, with a pint left on the table in his memory. A Tottenham Hotspurs flag, representing Cope’s beloved football team, hangs in the background, signed by well-wishers. The piece serves as a heartwarming reminder of Cope’s vibrant personality and the strong bonds forged within the Monday Club.
Cope’s mother, Anita Claridge, expressed her deep gratitude for O’Brien’s work, stating, “It’s very difficult and was very sudden – I still expect him to walk up the path and I cry every day.” She fondly recounted Cope’s dedication to the Junction, where he worked since he was 16, and his selflessness in donating his kidneys after his passing.
The Junction’s landlord, Albert Stratford, also commended O’Brien’s artistry, praising it as a “fitting tribute” to Cope, who was “such a well-respected member of bar staff.” He noted the growing popularity of the Monday Club, which has seen a significant increase in participation since Cope’s passing.
O’Brien, who has a history of creating caricatures for notable figures including Prince William and Prince Harry, expressed his gratitude for the Monday Club’s support, stating, “It’s a really great group, and they helped me after I had this really bad artist block.” He credits the club with reigniting his passion for art and fostering his social connections.
The Junction pub, its patrons, and especially Cope’s family, are deeply moved by O’Brien’s poignant tribute. The caricature stands as a permanent reminder of Cope’s lasting legacy within the community and serves as a testament to the power of art to heal, honor, and connect.
First Piper 