I've recently become aware of the work of a Saltaire-based artist called Tall Paul Kelly. A graphic designer and illustrator, in the Covid lockdown he started to produce posters depicting locations in Yorkshire. They give a nod to old railway and travel posters. He uses bold colour and striking compositions, most of which have a playful twist. I love his work and was delighted to see that he is this year's recipient of the Hepworth Wakefield Print Fair Prize. His work is currently on display in The Hepworth café.
I was rather tempted to invest in his print of Saltaire. (It was only lack of wall space that stopped me!) It's a clever fusion of Salts Mill and the alpaca whose wool underpinned Sir Titus Salt's success in textiles. (Apologies for the reflections in the glass, which were impossible to avoid.)
I also loved the picture of Malham Cove, which brilliantly incorporates the peregrines that nest on the cliff face.
After a moment or two of studying his depiction of Brimham Rocks, you notice the people and birds included in the spaces between - and a dog too. The man looking up, bottom right, reminds me of the statue of the poet John Betjeman in St Pancras Station, but that may simply be coincidence. I'm not aware of a link between Betjeman and Brimham Rocks.
Very clever artwork! I understand that you were tempted to have a print of the Saltaire poster, but, as you say, lack of wall space.
ReplyDeleteI have long wanted to have some of the old railway/tourism posters of Ripon Cathedral, Fountains Abbey or Scarborough; all of them places I love. But altough I have a lot of empty wall space, I prefer it that way and only have a select few pictures up, as well as calendars. Too much on the walls (or shelves etc.) stresses me mentally.
I like these a lot. I too have little wall space available for any extra things.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful prints, and that last one's use of negative space to give extended meaning is very well done. Mmm, I also have little wall space, and several boxes of prints, photos, paintings...which will be discovered by my descendants (years from now I hope.)
ReplyDelete