Happy Jack

"He’s there for advice... just don’t ask him for any."

Created for Pete's 2022 Don't Adjust Your Mindset exhibition, this work features a disgruntled employee who has no choice but take on a new job because his state pension is insufficient to support him and his household. The apron echoes those worn in B&Q – a company known for employing older people.

Pete describes the background as “Rembrandt brown”, referencing Rembrandt’s famous self-portraits by creating a similar backdrop. Rembrandt painted self-portraits up until the age of sixty-three. He depicting himself in a dignified manner, meeting the viewer’s gaze. “Jack” also looks directly at the viewer, yet the sentiment differs as he cannot hide his dissatisfaction. The posed portrait references the mandatory staff photographs taken in large companies.

'Of course there are plenty of people out there who want to continue working after the retirement age, even if they don’t have to. However, some don’t have a choice because they will never be able to save enough to enable themselves to fully retire when they get their pension.'

Product Options

Unframed Art Print:
Small: 40cm x 56cm
Large: 50cm x 70cm
Printed on high-quality paper with a 5cm white border.
Collect in store in 1 - 4 days
Items must be collected within 30 days of receiving the ‘Ready for Collection’ email. Please review our Collection Policy on the Delivery and Collections page.
Delivery in 3 - 5 days

Framed Art Print:
Small: 43cm x 59cm (approx)
Large: 53cm x 73cm (approx)
Mounted in a bespoke glass, black angled frame by our local framer.
Collection in store in 4 - 10 days
Items must be collected within 30 days of receiving the ‘Ready for Collection’ email. Please review our Collection Policy on the Delivery and Collections page.
Delivery in 9 - 10 days

Mini Prints NEW!!
Size: 25cm x 31cm
Fixings for the picture to be hung on your wall or stood on a desk or shelf.
Mounted in a bespoke glass, black angled frame by our local framer.
Collection in store in 4 - 10 days
Items must be collected within 30 days of receiving the ‘Ready for Collection’ email. Please review our Collection Policy on the Delivery and Collections page.
Delivery in 9 - 10 days