National Portrait Gallery in London Acquisition
48″ x 24″
Shane MacGowan
Brian first met Shane MacGowan through London’s Irish music scene in the 1990s. After attending many of Shane’s performances, Brian created one of his best-known portraits of the legendary singer-songwriter.
A Portrait Acquired by the National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery in London has acquired for its permanent collection, Brian’s portrait painting of the late London Irish singer songwriter, Shane MacGowan.
After attending many of Shane’s live performances, Brian painted his portrait in 2001 and it appeared on Shane’s website for many years. Brian also provided the artwork for Shane’s last collaboration with his second band, The Popes.
The painting is called Shane MacGowan – The Boy From the County Hell. County Hell was a euphemism the Irish used for London. The space around Shane in the painting has references to his songs; devils, angels, death, shamrocks, pints of Guinness, snakes, musical instruments, candles and rosary beads. Shane sings and screams through his limited but notorious teeth.
Related Paintings
Brian frequently returns to Shane MacGowan as a subject throughout his career. This collection includes portraits, drawings and paintings inspired by Shane, his music and the world surrounding it.
Outlook Heaven
Brian also created the artwork for Outlaw Heaven, Shane MacGowan’s final collaboration with The Popes. Paintings related to the album are available to view below.
About Shane MacGowan
Shane MacGowan (1957–2023) was an Irish singer-songwriter best known as the lead singer and principal songwriter of The Pogues. His music combined traditional Irish influences with punk energy, producing songs that have become classics of contemporary Irish music.
Discover More
Explore Brian’s complete collection of paintings, exhibitions and commissions.