Gonville & Caius College, University of Cambridge

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Gonville & Caius College, University of Cambridge is an original oil painting by Nick Grove.

This special spot in the heart of Cambridge holds cherished memories for me, as it was here that I first painted ‘en plein air’ in an urban setting. I vividly recall the nervousness in my hands as I tried to apply paint to the canvas, coupled with the constant interruptions from curious tourists—something that hasn’t changed to this day. Despite the challenges, I found the experience thoroughly enjoyable, even posing with tourists for photos. The entire experience was fresh and uplifting, sparking a passion that has kept me painting in cities ever since.

This iconic view of Gonville & Caius College is emblematic of Cambridge, and I’ve painted it several times. Yet, this version stands out as one of my most successful, in my humble opinion. Nestled down King’s Parade, St Mary’s Passage offers a perfect spot to tuck into, away from the main traffic. It also provides some shelter on windy days and is close to many coffee shops, ideal for a well-timed break. The figures in the foreground depict myself and my daughter, whom I once imagined might one day attend Cambridge. Judging by her current trajectory, that dream may just become a reality.