Fair Ground Art Slip N Slide Helter Skelter Sign By Fred Fowle
Fair Ground Art Slip N Slide Helter Skelter Sign By Fred Fowle
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'Slip N Slide' Large 2 piece hand painted fair ground art by arguably the greatest British fairground artist Fred Fowle also known as 'The Master' or 'Futuristic Fred'.
We salvaged this sign which decorated the Helter Skelter from the famous Southport Pleasureland amusement park in Mersey Side which has been open since 1913. The sign was on show in the 1970s up until the 1980s so we have dated it to either the late 1960s or early 1970s.
In considerably good condition, with obvious age related wear & tear. We have taken close pictures please take a close look.
Fred Fowle was easily the most creative and sought after artist of the 20th century when it comes to bringing alive the fairground.
Fred became renowned for his innovative and futuristic free hand lettering and scroll work with his work mimicking a 3d effect and even movement within the painting style. Although not what you would refer to as a household name, ask anyone with an interest in the vintage fairground or funfair and you can almost guarantee they know the name or some of his work.
He started his career at the early age of 15 in 1929 under the wing of Edwin Hall, at the time an established fairground artist. This led him to learning the craft and understanding the intricacies of hand painting eye popping designs.
Fred's career, like many other vintage fairground artists, was put on hold during the years of WW2 with the majority of efforts from throughout the country being focused on the war effort.
Post WW2 Fred re-ignites his passion for fairground art & continues back on his career path as an artist & sets up Hall & Fowle with Edwin Hall's brother, Billy Hall. Both fairground artists complemented each other’s strengths & used them to their advantage to solidify their place in the vintage fairground & entertainment industry. Billy focused on the more traditional figurative scenes & classical imagery & Fred in his signature futuristic scroll work.
His marveling effects were second to none & his painting technique relied on the depth achieved by applying multiple layers of colour & varnish to his work, this combined with the highest degree of accuracy, quality & detail.
Length 335cm (complete side to side), Height 119cm, Depth 3cm.
Free UK delivery, please contact us for shipping outside of the UK.
Many of the items we have for sale are all from what we refer to as " Real Life ", they were all made for use & purpose. There will always be signs of use & aging which we think gives each item its individuality & personal charm. We clean & repair but we always try our best to keep everything in its original state. We will always give you a good idea of condition & especially highlight anything that we consider may have aesthetic or structural concern.
You are more than welcome to purchase this item in person & pick it up from our London based workshop.
International buyers will need to check with their local authorities to see if any customs & import taxes are applicable. Any additional customs & tax payments are the responsibility of the buyer.
We cannot be held responsible for delays due to customs.
