Title: The piddling defendant
This piece is a humorous response to the “Commit No Nuisance” sign on St Albans’ historic Clock Tower. The phrase, originally painted in 1915 to discourage urination at the site, inspired me to imagine a formal court hearing for a canine caught mid-offence.
In this scene, an anthropomorphic dog stands trial before a grumpy toad judge, with an irate ex-clock tower keeper (now an opossum) serving as the accuser. The background replicates the iconic flint cobblestone wall and archway, with satirical signage like “Wee Free Zone” and “Offenders Will Be Paw-secuted” to highlight the absurd seriousness of this very British situation.
As someone who experiences time and structure differently, I’m drawn to institutions that try to regulate small human (or animal) behaviours. This painting plays with that tension, blending surreal storytelling with civic heritage and a bit of playful rebellion.
It’s also just… about a dog who peed where he shouldn’t.
Medium: Acrylic on paper
Artist: Peggy-Sue Mackey
