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

Full Fathom Five

Full Fathom Five
A Celebration of the Nautical World
Paul Bommer/ Jonny Hannah/ Michael Kirkman/ Ed Kluz/ Emily Sutton

A group show I am part of at Hornseys' - the Gallery, Ripon, North Yorkshire, in November/ December

Invitation designed by the sickeningly talented (he's handsome and a lovely fella, to boot!) Ed Kluz.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Addressed Crab

Addressed Crab

A quick change-of-address card (amended) to inform our friends and colleagues that Nick and I have left London (at last!) and settled in creamy Cromer on the wild and windy north Norfolk coast, famous for its sideways crustacea!

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Sketch-book Page, 4th September 2012

Sketch-book Page, 4th September 2012

Another page of drawings from my notebook, continuing my exploration of forms and patterns and further attempts at honing my draughtsmanship as I plan a slight departure in my work...