Monday, April 9, 2012

Delftware tile - Billingsgate Fish Market



Delftware tile - Billingsgate Fish Market

One of the many new 'Delft' tiles I am creating for my Umbra Sumus (We Are But Shadows) solo show at the end of this month (April 27 - 29 inclusive) in Spitalfields.

This one shows a porter at old Billingsgate fish market, near the Tower of London. The porter sports the traditional Billingsgate hat, made of stiff leather and deep-rimmed to allow the porters to carry heavy boxes of fish on their heads but at the same time preventing ice, water and fish-slime from going down the back of their necks.

This porter is called Archie Kippers.

4 comments:

Matteo said...

Are these actually ceramic tiles or representations of such? The "crack" lines make them seem ceramics. I'd love to see the show but there is a kind of large body of water 'tween here and there. I do wish you success with the opening.

Paul Bommer said...

Hi Matt

Yes, that is a bit of a hike.

These tiles are just paintings on masonite panel - the crack lines are crackle-glaze trickery.

Eventually I hope I will graduate to proper ceramic.

Paul

Anonymous said...

Hi Paul
I love your tile and sorry I missed your show - I only just discovered your blog.
Is there somewhere else I can see your work and is this one of a series of tiles?
Kate

Hobo Divine said...

Hello Paul,

Your artwork is mindblowing!
I really love the Delftware tile series particularly the Billingsgate Fisherman! The crackle effect is so clever it completely fooled me into thinking these were ceramic tiles.

Thank you for sharing,

- Hobo