From Back Burner to Art Prints: My Journey Painting Twickenham Rugby Stadium
- Andrew Robinson
- Jun 3
- 3 min read
Twickenham Rugby Stadium has been on my painting list for years, often pushed aside by other projects. It’s one of the most requested stadiums I’ve been asked to paint, yet I never felt inspired to capture it—until now. The stadium’s exterior, with its massive concrete walls and bus terminal-like sections, never struck me as visually appealing. But after finally completing the painting, I’m surprised by how satisfied I feel with the result. This post shares the story behind this long-awaited artwork, the challenges I faced, and what’s next for this piece. Twickenham Stadium art prints available soon
Why Twickenham Stayed on the Back Burner
Twickenham is iconic in the World of rugby and events, but it's exterior doesn’t exactly scream “artistic muse.” The stadium’s size is overwhelming, and much of it looks like a concrete fortress from World War II. The other side resembles a bus terminal, which I considered the lesser of two evils when choosing my viewpoint.
Over the years, I kept postponing the project for two main reasons:
I was always busy with other paintings that felt more urgent or exciting.
The stadium’s exterior didn’t inspire me creatively.
Even though I’ve visited Twickenham several times, I never managed to take photographs that captured the stadium in a way I could translate into a painting. My first visit was to see the Rolling Stones in the early 2000s, a memory that added personal significance to this project.
Finding Inspiration in the Details
The turning point came when I decided to focus on the bus terminal side. While not traditionally beautiful, it offered interesting shapes, lines, and textures that I could work with. The statue also added interest and recognisability. I realised that capturing the stadium’s character didn’t mean painting a postcard-perfect image. Instead, it was about showing its unique personality—the concrete massiveness and functional design that make it what it is.
I spent time reviewing my photographs and sketches, looking for angles that highlighted these features without making the stadium look dull. The challenge was to balance the imposing structure with subtle details that bring the scene to life.
What This Painting Means to Me
Completing this painting feels like closing a chapter. It’s a reminder that sometimes projects we avoid hold unexpected rewards. Twickenham’s exterior may not be traditionally beautiful, but it has a story and presence worth capturing.
This painting also marks a milestone in my work. It’s one of only a few stadiums I've tackled that didn’t immediately inspire me but grew on me through the process. It taught me to look beyond surface impressions and find beauty in unexpected places.
What’s Next for the Painting. Twickenham Stadium Prints.
The painting is now ready to be professionally scanned and proofed. I’m excited to announce that prints will be available this autumn through my online shop at andrewrobinsonart.com. The range will include:
Framed fine art prints
Framed and unframed canvas prints
Framed and unframed posters
Printed ceramic mugs
This variety means fans of Twickenham and rugby can enjoy the artwork in different formats, whether for their home, office, or as a gift.
Other Stadiums That Have Been on My List for Years.
Twickenham isn’t the only stadium I’ve been asked to paint repeatedly. Others that have been on my list for years include:
Millennium Stadium
Hampden Park
Santiago Bernabéu
Croke Park
Odsal Stadium
Various cricket grounds
Each has its own challenges and stories, and I plan to tackle them one by one. I appreciate the patience of those who have requested these paintings and look forward to bringing more stadiums to life in art form.
Final Thoughts
Painting Twickenham Rugby Stadium was a journey from hesitation to satisfaction. It shows how persistence and a fresh perspective can turn a challenging subject into a rewarding project. If you’ve ever put off a creative idea because it didn’t seem inspiring at first, this is a reminder to give it another chance. Sometimes, the best work comes from unexpected places.
