Thursday 8 August 2013

Colours, Graphics and Lettering at the Fairground

One thing I (and the other half) love about fairgrounds is the style and type of artwork decorating all the rides and side stall. It's sometimes called "Wings and Wheels" and one particular artist, Fred Fowle, is a name you still hear (and see) bandied about fairgrounds today. The bright colours, 3D lettering, angular graphics and futuristic designs are all typical of any showland scene. 
We actually own several pieces of fairground artwork; from Heals Fairgrounds who used to travel around the South West between 1882 and 1985ish (the same fairground family who owned Andrew's 1952 Scammell lorry).
The artwork makes for quite cool and quirky wall decorations!

Fairground artwork

Fairground artwork

Fairground artwork
This one is actually two sides of the same sign - that's fairground inflation for you...


Over at Carters Steam Fair last weekend there was lots of examples of fairground art.
Luckily there seemed to be many other people taking pictures so I didn't look quite like some mad crazy woman taking photos of random things.

Fairground artwork

Fairground artwork

Fairground artwork

Fairground artwork

Fairground artwork

Fairground artwork

Fairground artwork

Fairground artwork

Fairground artwork


You can see the same 'winged' design and stylised 3D writing cropping up again and again and even nowdays, fairgrounds often use the same sort of ideas.

Next time you're at a funfair, take a look and see if you can spot any similar designs!

3 comments:

  1. I love these they're so charming!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They're brill, aren't they? The colours and patterns are fab! :-) x

      Delete
  2. I love the Art & graphics, I'm a retired Production Designer [Film & T.V.] my hobby is painting these signs.They are far more complex than they seem at first sight and belie the artistry of the decorators.Good to see your photo's, keep it up!
    Kind regards,
    Phil Roberson

    ReplyDelete

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