Tuesday, September 25, 2012

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

3 comments:

K is for Calligraphy said...

Paul, Tipping my tit for tat to your brilliance! I could spend all day deciphering and using the Cockney Rhyming Slang! You have proved that rhyming slang is certainly not brown bread. xo, Katy

Paul Bommer said...

Thanks so much for your kind words Katy, that means a great deal to me :-)

Freddy Boo said...

Love the print Paul, it was great being part of this wonderful collaboration with Ted Baker and the AOI. Hope to see at the drinks party!