Fairground artistry is celebrated by Beverley brothers wanting to foster a ‘deeper appreciation of the craftsmanship’
Bright lights, fast rides and an atmosphere like no other – Hull Fair fans are already counting down the days to the start of the annual event. While the thrilling white-knuckle rides are the main attraction for some, others go to soak up the atmosphere, enjoy the family activities or feast on everything from burgers to brandy snaps, candy floss to churros.
For two brothers from Beverley, however, it is the brush strokes and vinyl stickers which have attracted their attention. After years of going to the fair as children and then as teenagers, Keaton and George Brignall McDougall’s interest in the artwork on the rides was brought to the fore after Richie Culvers DJ set on Albert Evans’ Waltzer two years ago, as part of the Unthinkable film festival events.
Keaton and George decided to document the artwork on the rides, returning by day – when the fair was quiet – to take photographs, which they have compiled into a book, Hull Fair: Art on the Ride. The book has more than 400 photographs, some of which will be on view in a new exhibition of their work at Pier Street pop-up in Hull from Friday, September 19 [when there will also be a book launch at 6.30pm] to Sunday, September 28.
Keaton said: “We hope the book will add to people’s enthusiasm for Hull Fair, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship found there and more respect for the incredible showmen, ride operators and artists who have created it. We have dedicated the book to them.”
George, who highlights some of the artwork which bears a resemblance to celebrities of the past 20 years or so, said: “Leering over all this chaos at the fair, are the figures of people you think could have been famous 20 years ago. The faces are uncanny, a near resemblance, a style of art not seen anywhere else. Its purpose is both commercial and experiential, a mix of fear and joy.”
Keaton said this form of art had never been documented and catalogued to this extent before. “The archives of the previous era of fairground history are fairly limited,” he said.
“There is so much we can learn about cultural changes by looking at the artwork as it develops. The work on the rides is frequently changed with previous iterations painted over or broken up and sold off.
“The book should serve as a historical record and immortalise this period of fairground art work. As a creative duo this is our first printed project together.
“We hope to expand a larger body of work around Hull Fair over the coming years.” DJ I.Jordan will be playing a set on Albert Evans’ Waltzer at Hull Fair’s opening night on Friday, October 10.
Keaton, who is also creative director for the Unthinkable film festival, said: “The festival has a reputation for its strange stories and experimental content – and that is something we will continue to celebrate. We are delighted that we’ll be at Hull Fair again this year.
“The fair has a special place in many people’s hearts – and the Waltzer DJ set adds another interesting dynamic to both the fair and the festival.” The brothers worked with the National Fairground and Circus Archive and the Fairground Association of Great Britain in bringing the project together.
George said: “It would have been impossible to make the book without the open arms of the showman themselves who welcomed us onto their rides and answered any of questions where they could. This is their life’s work which we merely documented. Without them and the artists they employ none of this would exist.”
- The book, Hull Fair: Art on the Ride, by Keaton and George Brignall McDougall, is priced at £35 in Hull and East Yorkshire, £45 elsewhere.