Plans have been submitted to honour two artists who shaped the art world from Wivenhoe. 

In 1944, artists Richard Chopping and Denis Wirth-Miller, who were affectionately known as Dickie and Denis, purchased a former public house in Wivenhoe. 

The Store House was first mentioned in the 17th century for brewing and selling ale and later became The Maidens Head public house. 

Further name changes saw the building as the Maidenhead and The White Swan and changed ownership several times before closing down permanently in 1895. (Image: Public)

During the 1930s the house was used for Wivenhoe’s ship and boat-building business. 

For the artists, the building was the perfect opportunity to combine accommodation and artists' studio spaces at a fair price. 

The duo purchased the Store House in 1944 but were only able to move in permanently after war restrictions were lifted a year later. 

A heritage statement in favour of commemorating the artists said: “Dickie and Denis continued to develop as artists and were soon host to a growing group of visiting artists and creatives, including Francis Bacon who spent much time at the house, plus other artists such as Robert Macbryde and Robert Colquhoun and writers such as Joan Worburton. This vibrant artist community, for which Wivenhoe is widely recognised, loves on and thrives today.” 

The artists started a visitor’s book which has been preserved and offers valuable information about what they achieved. 

In a statement, the applicant said: “The Storehouse was the meeting place for many artists and the home of Chopping and Wirth-Miller who pushed the creative movement forward to be what still exists today.  

“It is entirely appropriate that a commemorative plaque is placed on the front of the building to show where the heart of Wivenhoe’s art movement began, which still thrives today.”