United Kingdom Hotel, 1977

This original stencil painting by Melbourne artist Geoff Cunningham captures the nostalgic character of Australian neighbourhoods and everyday childhood moments of the 1970s and 80's. Geoff blends hand-cut stencils and layered spray techniques to create bold light, shadow and detail. Each piece celebrates the warmth, simplicity and familiarity of retro Australian life.

This painting captures the United Kingdom Hotel in Clifton Hill as it appeared in the 1970s — a bold Art Deco landmark built in 1938, anchoring a busy suburban intersection.

The building still stands today, but it now operates as a McDonalds! (If it's any consolation, I have heard this described as the most beautiful McDonalds in the world!)

In painting it this way, I’m reclaiming the corner — returning it to a time when it functioned as a social meeting place rather than a fast food restaurant. The architecture remains, but its meaning has shifted.

Using layered hand-cut stencils, I focus on how distinctive suburban buildings hold memory long after their purpose changes. For me, this is about holding onto the character of a place before it was rewritten.

Each piece is created by hand using multiple hand-cut stencils and layers of spray paint, making every work unique.

Acrylic & aerosol on canvas - 100 x 100cm, Framed in an oak floating frame