For babies, maybes and maestros by Michelle Heron

“This painting captures a moment in time on a stretch of South Ealing Road, the same road
as my painting ‘Parts from Elsewhere’. It’s a music shop with a skeleton in the window and a
variety of musical instruments. The shop’s own tagline became the title: for babies, maybes
and maestros – a phrase that feels like a lullaby and a manifesto. It speaks to the
accessibility of creativity, welcoming everyone from first-time players to seasoned
performers.
The owner John Gardonyi set up the shop in 2004 to return to his passion for music after a
career in IT. This music shop has a welcoming environment where anyone can walk in and
feel allowed to pick up an instrument and feel included. I could tell when I took the reference
photo that this shop was full of warmth and passion, I wanted to capture this feeling in my
painting.”

This painting is being exhibited in ‘The Painted City‘ Exhibition and will be ready for collection or delivery after the exhibition ends on 20th December 2025