Signed and dated l.l.: Rex Vicat Cole/1932 and inscribed with title on a label on the reverse, also inscribed: “Once known as Thomas Chop House, as figured on the lamp; first introduced coffee as a drink for Londoners in 1652.  Destroyed twice by fire.  Frequented by Charles Dickens who managed to let Mr Pickwick stay here.”

Oil on board

37 by 25 cm., 14 ½ by 10 in.

The George and Vulture is off Lombard Street in the City of London.  The present building is Grade II listed and dates to the early eighteenth century.  It was once said to have been a meeting place for the notorious Hell-Fire Club.  Mentioned many times in the Pickwick Papers it is the headquarters of the City Pickwick club and is now a popular restaurant.