Flexible cancellation available. Cancel without charge up until 3pm the day before arrival. Read our cancellation policy.

Flexible cancellation available. Read policy.

Close
Close

Book Direct on our website for exclusive benefits

  1. Enjoy 25% off food & drink in our lounge*
  2. Best room rates and terms
  3. Priority room allocation
More than 5 rooms? Enquire here. *from 12noon daily
Error

There was an issue submitting the form.

Please ensure all fields are filled in correctly, or try changing your parameters.

If this issue persists, please try booking by clicking here.

close icon
Introducing Karen Thomas
10th January, 2020

Introducing Karen Thomas

This January, The Pilgrm sees the arrival of new artwork from French painter Karen Thomas. We caught up with the artist to find out a bit more about her journey so far, favourite books, travel tips, and what drives her forward.
You'll be able to come and see her works on display in the lounge and cafe at The Pilgrm from mid-January.

Where did the road into painting begin? 
I’ve always made things, but really started painting seriously after leaving college. I sold my first painting at an outdoor street festival in Sète, France in the late eighties and haven’t stopped since.

How would you describe your artistic style in 5 words? 
Painterly, loosely dynamic, vivacious brushstrokes

Inspration comes in the form of...
A suggestion, a chance meeting, an overheard conversation, a photo, film or memory.

Do you have a favourite piece of artwork by another artist?
It's impossible to limit myself to one piece of work! I see as many shows as I can, read biographies and scour the internet to discover new work. I like to see things that make me want to go back to the studio to get my brushes out! Amongst my current favourites; Peter Doig, Karen Kliminik, Michael Borrémans,Gerard Garouste, Alex Katz, Todd Bienvenu, Genevieve Figgis, Jules de Bailancourt, Jansson Stegner, Oda Jaune...

What about your own work - any particular favourites?
It changes all the time and it’s generally the next thing I’m doing! My favourite piece at the moment is “Starlet”, a painting on sheet canvas 65x50cm, to be shown at the Pilgrm

Any tips for young creatives?
"Build a good name. Keep your name clean. Don’t make compromises, don’t worry about making a bunch of money or being successful. Be concerned about doing good work. Protect your work and if you build a good name, eventually that name will be its own currency. Life is like a roller coaster ride, it is never going to be perfect. It is going to have perfect moments and rough spots, but it’s all worth it" - Patti Smith.
“You must work, always work,” - Rodin to Rilke.

What does craftsmanship mean to you?
A world built to last.

The Pilgrm in 5 words.
Simple, sumptuous, sustainable urban luxury

What does a day in the life of Karen Thomas look like? 
A day in the studio might begin with some research or preparatory work, correspondance, document making, social media, buying supplies, a coffee in a street café or catching up with a painter friend, swimming or a yoga class followed by painting often late into the evening or maybe a film at my favourite Diagonal cinema.

Take us to your favourite place.
One of my happiest places is Sète, 'l’île singulier’, an authentic fishing town with a strong identity located between the Mediterranean and the Etang de Thau. Take in the panoramic view at the top of the Mont Saint Clair, visit the sailor’s cemetery and the Pointe courte. Try al ‘Tielle' at the covered market, have a drink along the quais and end a summer day with a concert at the Théâtre de la Mer - the backdrop is the sea itself.

What's on the reading list?
- Haruki Murakami, current reading ‘Killing Commendatore’
- Michel Houellebecq, ‘The map and the territory’
- Patti Smith, about to embark on ‘Year of the Monkey’
- Sophie Calle, ‘Prenez soin de vous’

Hopes and dreams for 2020?
An international artist residency!

You can come and see Karen's work at The Pilgrm from mid-January until early spring 2020, free of charge.

Introducing Karen Thomas Introducing Karen Thomas Introducing Karen Thomas Introducing Karen Thomas Introducing Karen Thomas

Further Reading

Read all >
20th March, 2023

Temple Cycles Now at The Pilgrm!

Get ready to explore the city this spring with the help of Temple Cycles - free to hire during your next stay at The Pilgrm

Read on >
2nd March, 2023

FAQs

We want to ensure you have all the information you need for a wonderful stay, so here are some answers to our most frequently asked questions.

Read on >
24th February, 2023

Janette Beckman's Private View

A night to rival all nights! The opening party for Janette Beckman’s first solo exhibition in London.

Read on >
17th February, 2023

Enjoy £20 to spend on drinks this spring!

To celebrate the impending arrival of the warmer seasons, we're giving you £20 to spend on drinks during your stay in April and May.

Read on >
15th February, 2023

The Iconic Janette Beckman at The Pilgrm

We are thrilled to announce, this February sees the opening of Janette Beckman’s first ever solo London exhibition, here at The Pilgrm.

Read on >
19th January, 2023

Free Wine in February

It's the month of romance. Supposedly... So we thought you might need a free glass of wine!

Read on >

Hello lovely guests, friends and neighbours!

Book your stay this April or May using the code SPRING and get £20 to spend on drinks! Available on bookings from 01.04.23 until 31.05.23.

Click here to find out more
close icon

Subscribe

Sign up to The Pilgrm for good news, edits and invitations to the things we love to share and enjoy.

close icon

The Pilgrm uses cookies

Cookies are necessary for the site to function properly.
We use cookies to track traffic and to optimize our website.

Ok by me!