The Baskerville Arms is located in the sleepy village of Shiplake, just a stones throw up river from Henley-on-Thames. Until 2023, it was the mainstay of the local community.
The pub takes its name from the Baskerville Family who lived locally at Crowsley Park, The Baskervilles were friends with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, author of the world famous Sherlock Holmes novel "The Hound of The Baskervilles". The pub has used the motif of a Hound on all its signage which is thought to be due to the local superstition of the existence of a supernatural hound!
Closed in 2023 but reopened by two local businessmen in May 2024, the pub went through an extensive refurbishment and upgrade ahead of its relaunch in time for the Autumn Season.
I was delighted to be commissioned to photograph the newly upgraded pub in all its glory. From the upgraded bar and dining areas, the extensive outdoor beer gardens and outside bar to the four cosy bedrooms which can be booked for short stays.
I involved me being able to photograph all the refurbished spaces and photographically present them in a such a way as to strongly communicate the feelings of comfort, cosiness and a warm home-from-home atmosphere.
This needed me to employ all my various skills - interior architectural photography, exterior architectural and drone imaging as well as food photography.
Using a combination of natural and added lighting; looking for more unusual as well as conventional viewpoints, my idea was to make The Baskerville Arms warm and inviting and for it once again to become an important focal point for the local community.
For more information about the great food and the accommodation on offer, head over to their website www.thebaskerville.com
You will find the pub just a short walk from Shiplake Railway Station in the very heart of the village.