The post Meet Max Mendez: The Artist Bringing Dolphin Square’s History to Life appeared first on Dolphin Square Blog.
]]>For almost a century, generations of residents have shaped life at Dolphin Square, leaving behind a rich collection of memories, characters and unexpected stories. Their presence can still be felt in the names above the doorways, the views across the gardens and the details woven throughout the estate. Through a series of ten illustrations, illustrator Max Bruno Mendez – founder of Squidinki – has brought Dolphin Square’s history to life with wit, warmth and a keen eye for the smallest detail.
Together, the works form Dolphin Square’s 100 Years, 100 Stories collection – commissioned to mark the first phase of the estate’s landmark restoration – celebrates almost a century of life, lore and eccentricity at one of London’s most storied addresses. Naval commanders gather beside the swimming pool, dolphins wander along Chichester Street and seagulls make their own mischievous edits to the signage. Look a little closer and further stories begin to emerge.
For those seeking things to do in Pimlico, the collection offers a different way to experience the area: through the people, architecture and stories that have shaped Dolphin Square.
We spoke to Max Mendez about returning to a familiar corner of London, the craft behind each illustration and the family influence that can be traced through every line.
A London story that came full circle
Although Max now lives and works in Sydney, his connection to London runs deep. As a child, he and his friends explored the city using a Red Bus Rover ticket. Their route on the number 24 bus ran from Hampstead Heath to Pimlico, where Max had friends at the former Pimlico School opposite Dolphin Square.
Decades later, the Dolphin Square commission brought him back to the same neighbourhood. For Max, it created what he describes as a “full-circle connection”: a Londoner who had lived and worked around the world returning to tell the stories of a place he first knew in his youth.
His first walk through the estate left an immediate impression. Beyond the red-brick architecture and white detailing, it was the contrast between scale and intimacy that stayed with him
“There is this incredible secret-garden effect. Walking through the grounds is like walking through a 1930s novel. It feels grand, yet intimate.”
Drawing Dolphin Square from the inside out
Before the finished pieces came the research: archive material, conversations, site visits and sketches made from almost every possible viewpoint. Max and his wife, designer and Squidinki co-founder Kerry Findlay, were taken through the estate and given the freedom to interpret what they found. During one visit, Max was given access to the rooftop, where the familiar London skyline and the gardens below offered a completely new perspective on Dolphin Square.
“I sketched from every viewpoint you can imagine, down towards Battersea Power Station and back towards the Houses of Parliament. You really are in the belly of the beast; you are on top of the world.”
That close observation matters. Dolphin Square is not simply the backdrop to the collection; it holds the stories together. Max began by placing a character or event within a recognisable part of the estate, then allowed fact, imagination and humour to meet within the scene.
His process remains deliberately hands-on. Each composition begins in black and white, drawn with fine pens of different thicknesses. He uses Posca markers to create initial rough sketches, adds watercolour and later introduces digital colour for print. The larger Dolphin Square works took around four days for the ink work alone, before colour was added.
“I think about the composition first – capturing the picture and its energy through a black-and-white drawing. Once I am happy with that, colour reveals what it is supposed to be.”
A love of detail passed from father to son
The roots of Max’s intricate style can be found traced back, in a childhood surrounded by prints. His father, Christopher Mendez (1943-2025), was a highly respected London print dealer who specialised in Old Master prints. Born and raised in Hackney, Christopher began his career as an assistant in the department for works on paper at the Victoria and Albert Museum. After time at Sotheby’s and the Folio Society, he established his own business in 1965, later becoming known for discovering rare and visually compelling works in overlooked places.
Max spent his early years living above his father’s print shop in Soho. The walls around him were filled with the black-and-white lines, cross-hatching and careful marks of artists including Dürer and Rembrandt. When he was seven, a visit to see the Bayeux Tapestry in France inspired him to draw King Harold, painstakingly recording every piece of chain mail. The instinct to look closely was already there.
Christopher remained a devoted supporter of his son’s work throughout his life. Before he passed away in 2025, he visited Dolphin Square and saw the collection displayed in the place that inspired it. It became one of Max’s most treasured memories of the project.
“My dad came to see the Dolphin Square event, and I was so proud to show him around. He was a massive advocate of my art throughout his life, and it was lovely to show him these big, bright, colourful canvases.”
The connection continues in quieter ways, too. Max still uses some of his father’s Montblanc pens and keeps his scissors and other treasured tools. Christopher valued well-made materials, an appreciation Max says he has inherited and continues to cherish. Behind the colour and comedy of Squidinki’s illustrations lies a visual language shaped by a lifetime of looking at prints – and a bond between father and son that remains present in the work.
Look closely and the stories appear
Every illustration rewards a second look. Details from Dolphin Square’s history are woven together with Max’s playful imagination, bringing familiar architecture, notable residents and special moments from the estate’s past to life with unexpected characters and humorous touches.
In the swimming pool scene, naval commanders appear beside the houses that carry their names, while the original dolphin sculpture watches over a new chapter in the estate’s history. It is one of the illustrations Max feels especially close to.
“The dolphin sculpture has been looking down on the pool since the 1930s. It has not changed since it was installed, so it is looking over a new chapter in Dolphin Square’s history. The stories it could tell…”
In the garage scene, the cars are all appropriate to Dolphin Square’s opening era, and a poster for The 39 Steps nods to the film released in 1935 – the year before the estate opened. Even the period petrol pumps were researched from archive imagery.
Elsewhere, Sarah Churchill’s notorious habit of throwing gin bottles from her window becomes a scene filled with neighbours holding out nets. Max chose Plymouth Gin after researching Winston Churchill’s preferred brand, using its historic illustrated label as another layer within the picture.
There are references to Christine Keeler’s famous photoshoot chair, John Vassall’s secret papers, Harold Wilson’s pipe and the birds and mammals that share the estate. A peregrine falcon keeps watch over the pigeons, while in The Squire of Dolphin Square, seagulls cheekily rearrange the street sign as elegantly dressed dolphins pass a fishmonger.
Illustrating history as it continues
For Max, the collection is as much about the people living at Dolphin Square today as those who came before. They are the residents adding their own memories to Dolphin Square’s history, continuing a story that is still unfolding.
“I hope residents feel celebrated in being part of Dolphin Square’s history and future. It is a very special place.”
While researching the commission, Max studied illustrations in Dolphin Square’s original 1930s brochures to understand how the estate had once presented itself. It led to a thought that has stayed with him: perhaps, many decades from now, somebody will look at his drawings in the same way, using them to understand this moment in Dolphin Square’s life.
“At some point, my drawings might be the ones somebody looks at in 80 years’ time to see what came before. That is the best bit.”
The commission has also become a meaningful chapter in Max’s own story. Seeing the illustrations displayed at Dolphin Square, and the response they received, left him with a renewed sense of creative energy and pride.
“Dolphin Square has unleashed in me a new pride. It makes me want to get up and do it again every day. The pride and the association continue to feel like that.”
There are still many chapters he would like to explore: more views placing Dolphin Square beside the Thames and within the wider London skyline, a cross-section showing life here in the 1930s and the 2020s, and stories inspired by present-day residents. For an estate with almost a century of history, there is no shortage of material.
For now, the ten illustrations invite visitors to slow down, look closely and rediscover Dolphin Square through an artist’s eyes.
And while the illustrations celebrate what has come before, Max hopes there are still many stories waiting to be told:
“I’d love to tell some of the current residents’ stories too, as they slowly weave the next chapter in Dolphin Square’s history.”
Discover the collection
If you’re looking for things to do in Pimlico, begin with Dolphin Square’s 100 Years, 100 Stories. The free exhibition is on display at Dolphin House at Dolphin Square – the wellness and lifestyle hub at the heart of the estate. You can also explore and purchase a variety of mementos inspired by the artwork.
After spending time with Max’s illustrations, step outside and wander through Dolphin Square’s 3.5 acres of Grade II-listed gardens. Along the way, you may begin to recognise the architecture, viewpoints and small details that inspired his work, bringing the stories from the page into the place where they began.
The post Meet Max Mendez: The Artist Bringing Dolphin Square’s History to Life appeared first on Dolphin Square Blog.
]]>The post What’s On: 10 Art Events to Discover in London This September appeared first on Dolphin Square Blog.
]]>
There’s an art to exploring London. From masterpieces hanging in world-famous galleries to colourful installations popping up in unexpected corners of the city, London has a habit of turning almost anywhere into a canvas. And with September marking the start of a new cultural season, there’s plenty to discover.
Home to iconic museums, contemporary galleries, independent creative spaces and some of the best art exhibitions in London, the capital’s ever-evolving art scene offers something for everyone. Whether you know your Monet from your Matisse, are looking for current exhibitions in London or simply fancy doing something a little different at the weekend, there’s always a reason to explore.
If you’re looking for things to do in Pimlico and beyond, Dolphin Square puts some of the capital’s leading cultural attractions within easy reach, making it a great starting point for exploring what London has to offer.
At Dolphin Square, we’re fortunate to be surrounded by some of London’s most inspiring cultural destinations, while also celebrating creativity closer to home. From thoughtfully designed spaces to the artwork and creative influences found throughout the estate, culture plays an important role in shaping our community and enhancing everyday life.
So, where should you start? We’ve rounded up 10 art events and exhibitions taking place across London this September that are worth adding to your calendar.
Totally Thames Festival
1-30 September 2026 | Along the River Thames
London’s most famous river becomes a stage for art, culture and creativity throughout September. Totally Thames returns with a month-long programme of installations, performances, exhibitions and experiences taking place on, beneath and alongside the River Thames.
Highlights for 2026 span everything from photography and contemporary dance to live music and site-specific art, including Turner Prize-nominated artist Catherine Yass’ Turning the Tide, projected onto the disused Blackfriars Railway Bridge columns. With events stretching along the river, the festival offers a chance to experience the Thames from a completely different perspective – and discover just how much creativity flows through the capital.
.jpeg)
The Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum
10 September 2026-11 July 2027 | The British Museum
Nearly 1,000 years of history is coming to London. This September, the world-famous 70-metre-long Bayeux Tapestry will go on display at the British Museum, marking the first time it has been shown in the UK since it was made almost a millennium ago.
Telling the story of the Norman Conquest of England and the events surrounding the Battle of Hastings in 1066, the extraordinary medieval artwork offers a fascinating window into one of the most defining moments in British history. A rare opportunity to see an iconic piece of history without crossing the Channel, this is certainly one for the September calendar.
London Design Festival
12-20 September 2026 | Across London
For nine days this September, London becomes a playground for all things design. Returning for its 24th edition, London Design Festival brings together some of the brightest creative minds from the UK and beyond, with exhibitions, installations, talks and special projects popping up across the capital.
From established names to emerging talent, the festival explores everything from architecture and interiors to art, craft and technology, with plenty to discover across London’s Design Districts. Whether you’re a dedicated design enthusiast or simply looking for creative things to do in London this September, it’s a great excuse to explore somewhere new.
Open House Festival
12-20 September 2026 | Across London
Ever wondered what’s behind some of London’s most intriguing doors? Open House Festival returns this September, inviting visitors to step inside and discover the architecture, spaces and stories that shape the capital.
Taking place across all 33 London boroughs, the free festival opens an incredible collection of homes, historic buildings, landscapes and normally hard-to-access spaces, alongside guided walks, talks and tours. From architectural landmarks to lesser-known neighbourhood gems, it’s a chance to experience London from a completely different perspective. For anyone curious about design, history or simply what lies behind a closed door, this one is well worth exploring.
Shoreditch Design Week
15-20 September 2026 | Shoreditch
Creativity takes over the streets of East London this September as Shoreditch Design Week makes its debut. Evolving from the long-running Shoreditch Design Triangle, the new festival brings together more than 100 showrooms, exhibitions, installations and events across one of London’s most creative neighbourhoods.
Expect everything from product launches and emerging talent to experimental installations, workshops and talks, with spaces across Shoreditch opening their doors throughout the week. As the largest official design district of London Design Festival, it’s an opportunity to discover new ideas, meet the people shaping contemporary design and experience Shoreditch at its creative best.
Frieze Sculpture, Regent’s Park
16 September-1 November 2026 | The Regent’s Park
Who says you need four walls to visit an art gallery? Frieze Sculpture returns to The Regent’s Park this autumn, transforming its English Gardens into a free outdoor exhibition featuring work by 11 international artists.
Curated by Fatoş Üstek, the 14th edition brings contemporary sculpture into one of London’s best-known green spaces, with works by artists including Conrad Shawcross, Angel Otero, Tarini Sethi and Ivana Bašić. Whether you’re visiting specifically for the art, looking for a free art exhibition in London or simply taking an autumn stroll through the park, it’s an accessible way to encounter contemporary sculpture away from the traditional gallery setting – and it won’t cost you a penny.
.jpeg)
Anish Kapoor at Hayward Gallery
Until 18 October 2026 | Hayward Gallery, Southbank Centre
Prepare to question what you’re seeing. Anish Kapoor has returned to the Hayward Gallery almost 30 years after his first major UK survey there, filling the gallery and its outdoor terraces with sculptures and paintings designed to play with perception, space and the senses.
Spanning new and seminal works, the exhibition includes immersive installations alongside Kapoor’s striking mirrored sculptures and more recent pieces. Known for creating art that can be as disorientating as it is captivating, Kapoor invites visitors to look beyond the surface and reconsider the spaces around them. A thought-provoking stop for anyone spending a cultural afternoon on London’s South Bank.
Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art
Until 8 November 2026 | V&A South Kensington
When does fashion become art? The V&A explores exactly that question with the UK’s first exhibition dedicated to the extraordinary world of Elsa Schiaparelli.
Spanning the 1920s to the present day, Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art explores the designer’s groundbreaking approach to fashion and the house’s evolution under current creative director Daniel Roseberry. Expect iconic garments alongside artworks and objects that reveal Schiaparelli’s longstanding relationship with Surrealism and the wider art world, including connections with figures such as Salvador Dalí and Jean Cocteau. Bold, imaginative and occasionally unexpected, this is one for art and fashion lovers alike.
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
Frida: The Making of an Icon
Until 3 January 2027 | Tate Modern
Few artists are as instantly recognisable as Frida Kahlo, but how did she become the global icon we know today? This major Frida Kahlo exhibition in London sees Tate Modern explore the life, work and extraordinary legacy of the Mexican artist in Frida: The Making of an Icon.
Bringing together more than 130 works, the exhibition goes beyond Kahlo’s famous self-portraits to explore the many sides of her identity, alongside photographs, personal documents and memorabilia from her archives. It also considers her lasting influence on generations of artists and popular culture. A fascinating opportunity to discover the woman behind one of art’s most recognisable faces.
Max Mendez: Dolphin Square’s 100 Years, 100 Stories
On display at Dolphin Square | Pimlico
You don’t have to venture far to discover something creative this September. Closer to home, a collection of 10 illustrations by artist Max Mendez, founder of Squidinki, is currently on display in the Dolphin Square lobby and the Juice Bar area and is free to view.
Originally commissioned as part of Dolphin Square’s 100 Years, 100 Stories campaign, the collection brings moments from the estate’s history to life through illustration, offering a playful interpretation of the people, stories and character that have shaped Dolphin Square over the years.
And if a particular illustration catches your eye, you can take a little piece of Dolphin Square home with you. A selection of merchandise featuring Max’s illustrations is also available, from puzzles to tea towels.
.jpg)
Discover London from Dolphin Square
From world-renowned art exhibitions to creative experiences closer to home, there’s plenty to discover across London this September. Located in the heart of Pimlico, Dolphin Square puts some of the capital’s leading cultural destinations within easy reach, making it a great starting point for exploring what London has to offer.
The post What’s On: 10 Art Events to Discover in London This September appeared first on Dolphin Square Blog.
]]>The post How Flexible Living is Redefining London Life for Hybrid Workers and Remote Professionals appeared first on Dolphin Square Blog.
]]>The traditional nine-to-five workday is no longer the norm for many professionals. Today, work happens across home offices, co-working spaces and cafés, often within the same week.
Whether you’re travelling between destinations, a consultant working on a fixed-term project, or a hybrid worker splitting your time between home and the office, flexibility has become an essential part of modern working life.
As working patterns continue to evolve, so too do expectations of where and how we live. Professionals increasingly want accommodation that offers convenience, comfort and flexibility, without the long-term commitments often associated with traditional renting.
For those working flexibly in London, serviced apartments offer a move-in-ready alternative that combines the comforts of home with the convenience of an extended stay. At Dolphin House Serviced Apartments in Pimlico, this means having the space to live and work comfortably, alongside amenities that support both productivity and wellbeing.
What flexible living means for modern professionals
Flexible living means choosing accommodation that adapts to your lifestyle, whether you are temporarily relocating to London, travelling for work or following a flexible working routine.
Today’s flexible living can suit:
Remote professionals working from different locations.
Hybrid workers commuting into London a few days a week.
Consultants and contractors on project-based assignments.
Corporate travellers looking for extended-stay accommodation.
Professionals relocating to London for work.
At Dolphin Square, our serviced apartments in Pimlico provide fully furnished accommodation designed for convenience from day one, allowing you to settle in quickly and focus on what matters most.
Why London attracts remote and hybrid professionals
London continues to be one of the world’s leading global cities. The latest Global Power City Index ranked London first overall for the 14th consecutive year, recognising its strengths in areas including accessibility, cultural interaction and economic opportunity.
For remote and hybrid workers and relocating professionals, this creates access to international businesses, diverse professional networks and career opportunities across a wide range of industries.
Choosing the right location within the capital is just as important. Situated in Pimlico, Dolphin Square offers easy access to Central London, with Pimlico Underground station nearby and Victoria Station providing connections across the Underground, National Rail network and major airports.
Tips for remote and hybrid workers staying in London
Choosing where to base yourself in London often depends on how you work. Balancing remote working, business travel and days in the office, finding the right combination of connectivity, workspace and quality of life can make an extended stay much easier.
Pimlico offers a central London location with a quieter, more residential feel. Pimlico Underground station provides direct access to the Victoria line, while nearby Victoria Station offers Underground, National Rail and airport connections, making it convenient for travelling to meetings, offices and destinations across the capital.
At Dolphin House Serviced Apartments, guests also have access to dedicated co-working spaces and bookable meeting rooms, providing convenient places to work, take calls or meet with colleagues. Combined with on-site fitness, wellness and dining amenities, it makes it easier to balance work and everyday routines during your stay, all without leaving the estate.
Financial, lifestyle and workstyle considerations
Serviced apartments can also make the practical side of an extended stay easier to manage. Rather than arranging furniture, utilities, Wi-Fi and multiple household contracts separately, many of the everyday essentials are included within your stay.
Having additional space can also make a difference when working remotely. A two-bedroom serviced apartment, for example, can provide greater flexibility if you need a separate space to work, are travelling with family or expect guests during your stay.
Location is another important consideration. Staying in Central London can help reduce time spent commuting, particularly for hybrid professionals who need convenient access to offices, meetings and transport connections on certain days of the week.
Making the most of flexible living in London
To make the most of living and working in London, look for accommodation that offers more than simply a place to stay. Consider spaces with a sense of community, on-site support and amenities that complement your day-to-day routine. Whether you’re working remotely, travelling for business or balancing time between home and the office, having the right base can make it easier to focus on both work and enjoying everything London has to offer.
Ready to make London your base? Explore Dolphin House Serviced Apartments in Pimlico and find a stay that works around you.
The post How Flexible Living is Redefining London Life for Hybrid Workers and Remote Professionals appeared first on Dolphin Square Blog.
]]>The post Perks You Get with a Professionally Managed Pimlico Apartment appeared first on Dolphin Square Blog.
]]>There’s a particular pleasure in arriving in London and knowing everything is already taken care of.
Your apartment is ready. The Wi-Fi is connected. The kitchen is equipped. The towels are in place. And instead of spending your first few days organising utilities, buying household essentials or figuring out where to go when something needs attention, you can simply settle in.
That is the appeal of serviced apartment living at Dolphin House.
Set within Dolphin Square in Pimlico, our fully furnished serviced apartments offer a more settled way to stay in London, combining the privacy and space of your own apartment with the convenience of professional service and on-site amenities.