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“The first written and pictorial references to bright colours and painted roses and castles on canal boats do not occur until the mid nineteenth century. This was, therefore, an extraordinary flowering of a new folk art at a time when many other old trades and traditional ways of life were withering away.” Tony Lewery - Canal Junction ‘Roses and Castles’ is the phrase often used to encompass the artwork on narrow boats, reflecting the popular use of both of these by the boat artists. Of course subject matter does vary according to the influences and inclinations of the boat owner and commissioned artist but the general direction is one of bright colours and usually a folky feel. But why roses and castles? Canal art historians don’t appear to have really pinned this one down with theories ranging from Dutch and Scandinavian, to Turkish and Gypsy influences. Perhaps it’s a simple case of an Englishman’s home being his castle and the romantic connection with roses around the door. Who knows? It’s pretty nonetheless. Quite often more persuasive is the flowing and dominant hand-painted signwriting usually linking the owner of the vessel with its home berth. These of course originated when the boats were commercial ones plying their trade up and down the river and the signage served as advertising for the company concerned. Look out for boat art as you explore the Wey Navigations, and you’ll find it limited not just to the boats but to everything from plant pots and watering cans to cabin stools, and even the odd worn-out boot serving a new life as a plant holder. If you get the chance, check out the interiors of traditional narrowboats. You’ll find some stunning decorating in the cabins and galleys. Illustrated below is the stern cabin of the Godalming Packet Boat Company’s horse drawn Iona, complete with traditional stove. The Waterways Crafts Guild provide an opportunity to encourage members to learn the art of boat decoration and to maintain standards and heighten awareness to this skillful art. Successful accreditation includes the categories of Apprentice, through to Journeyman and on to the accolade of Master. The Guild has a quarterly newsletter and provides course discounts and the occasional bursary for course fees.
We're still compiling this collection. |
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