Cockney Rhyming Slang (Ted Baker)

Cockney Rhyming Slang (Ted Baker)

A month or so back I was asked by the Association of Illustrators (www.theaoi.com) to be involved with a project entitled Great British Pastimes, a collaboration between them and clothing company Ted Baker (www.tedbaker.com).

Ted Baker had selected a Baker's Dozen of thirteen illustrators he wanted to design a range of A2 limited edition litho-printed posters on varios allotted subjects celebrating British hobbies and culture. The posters are given away free with purchases over a certain amount from any of TB's outlet across the world.

Fellow artists included Andy Smith, Katherina Manolessou, Jane Smith and Sara Fanelli.

I was given Cockney Rhyming Slang to illustrate. I thought a Costermonger and his Stall (full of 20 odd slang 'vignettes') was the best way to show it - both the cockney traditions of the pearly kings and queens, and the use of rhyming slang, originated in the East End costermongers' world of the 19th Century - the former as a way of attracting more attention and the latter as a secret language to avoid interference from the Law!

Although not as prevalent as it once was, rhyming slang is still very much alive and kicking.

Detail: Rabbit & Pork, Apples & Pears, Whistle & Flute, Dog & Bone, Boracic Lint

Deatil: Syrup of Figs, Butcher's Hook, Plates of Meat, Tit for Tat

Detail: Brown Bread, Bacon & Eggs, Raspberry Tart, Pen & Ink