Sherburne developed these playful portraits originally as an addition
to the interior of the Savoy lounge and they were entitled “the famous
drinkers”. The initial goal with the paintings was to lend mythology
to an establishment that had not yet generated it as well as create
an aesthetic juxtaposition to the Art Deco inspired interior. They
are a playful body of work that has its genesis in pop art but is also
emblematic of Sherburne’s continuing theoretical pursuit of a transdisciplinary
creative practice exploring both art and design.

The paintings were met with success from the public and Sherburne
was commissioned to complete a number of portraits for both the
Savoy and national patrons.