Upcoming Courses
What will you learn on the course?
In 2022, Heritage Crafts placed fairground art on their ‘Red List’ of endangered crafts. Fairground art is at risk of dying out in the next generation as there are no formal training opportunities in fairground art: Joby is one of the only people offering short courses in traditional fairground art.
Fairground art topics include:
- The evolution of fairground art and its links to popular culture and pop art.
- The popular motifs and themes used by fairground artists to draw people in.
- How fairground art techniques were used to persuade and influence people at the fair and is sometimes described as ‘hypnosis in art’.
- The use of gold and aluminium leaf alongside vibrant colours to make the rides eye catching in sunlight and artificial light.
- The quirky layouts and styles of fairground lettering and ‘gag tickets’.
- A guided tour of the extensive fairground art and fairground lettering collections on display in the workshop.
Decorative scrolls topics include:
- The origins in nature of scrolls (acanthus plant) and how they flow and expand in different directions
- Choosing appropriate styles for use in a fairground art project, on showmans living wagons or how you can add them to your signwriting designs
- An introduction to the techniques needed to draw and paint all different types of scrolls to give you the confidence to create authentic, well balanced and eye catching designs.
- Avoiding common mistakes including how to keep your scrolls smooth and flowing, well balanced and pleasing to the eye (and not looking like barbed wire!)
- Using the correct tools – brushwork, when to use a mahl stick and how to get the correct viscosity for a perfect result
Who teaches this course?
Joby Carter, owner of Carters Steam Fair teaches this course.
Joby was a toddler when Carters Steam Fair opened their first event in 1977 and he grew up fascinated by the artwork, lettering and history of the fairground rides. He toured the fair until 2022.
He has dedicated his life to ensuring that these traditional artworks are enjoyed and appreciated and that their importance in popular culture and social history is recognised.
He is also passionate about keeping traditional decorative skills alive and takes pride in authentic restoration using heritage craft skills and avoiding modern day shortcuts.
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for anyone with an interest in fairground art styles or the history of fairground art from the 1890s to the 1960s. No painting experience is required. It is relevant for anyone who is painting or signwriting professionally that wants to add extra sparkle and authenticity to their work.
This course is also popular with those involved with set design for TV and film as you will gain an understanding of the decorative styles which are authentic to different eras.
There will be demonstrations during the day and you can try techniques for yourself if you feel comfortable.
Where is the course held?
The courses are held in Joby’s workshop in Street, Somerset. You’ll be able to see examples of Joby’s signwriting as well as any current signwriting projects Joby is working on.
Address:
Unit 18 Rockhaven Business Centre, Gravenchon Way, Street, BA16 0HW
There is a limited private parking linked to the workshop, and we prioritise disabled parking. Please get in touch if this is you.
There is free parking in the neighbouring areas but please park sensibly and courteously.
Please be aware that Joby’s dog Goofy is usually in the workshop while Joby is hosting a course. If you have any concerns regarding this please contact us as soon as possible: admin@jobycarter.com.
Where is the nearest airport or train station?
25 miles from Bristol Airport
28 miles from Bristol Temple Meads Train station
13 miles from Castle Cary Train station
5min walk from Bus Stop at Sainsburys Street
What is included in the course price?
All materials are provided for the duration of the course, lunches and hot drinks are also provided. You may like to bring your own mug.
You have the opportunity to buy your own equipment at the end of the week including enamel paint, signwriting brushes, mahl sticks and palettes. Cash & card payments are accepted.
How many places are there on the course?
There are 12 places on each course. We keep the groups small to enable opportunities for one to one support from Joby when you need it.
What happens when I book my course?
When you place your order you will be emailed an e-ticket, which is your course booking confirmation.
Where can I stay while I am on the course?
We recommend that you try to find places local to Street so your commute to the course is a short and easy one. There are plenty of options available for hotels and Air BnB’s in and around Street.
Local options include:
Premier Inn Glastonbury approximately 7 minutes drive
Middlewick Holiday Cottages approximately 15 minutes drive
Wookey Hole Hotel and lodges approximately 25 minutes drive
You can read about many local options on the Visit Somerset website here.
Joby’s workshop location is Unit 18 Rockhaven Business Centre, Gravenchon Way, Street BA16 0HW
Can I stay on site with my motorhome or caravan?
We are on a business park and therefore do not have facilities and space for you to stay on site even if you are able to bring your own motorhome, caravan, tent etc. Luckily there are a number of campsites nearby where you can stay. We recommend typing “camping Street Somerset” in your search engine to find the most local well reviewed results. These include Bobsfield Campsite, Larks Rise Caravan and Camping, Old Oaks Touring. 9We have not experienced them for ourselves and advise you contact them to ensure they are suitable for your needs.
You can read about many local accommodation options on the Visit Somerset website here.
Joby’s workshop location is Unit 18 Rockhaven Business Centre, Gravenchon Way, Street BA16 0HW
What equipment do I need to do the course?
You do not need to bring any materials or equipment with you, as we provide everything you need on the course.
Please remember to wear clothes that are comfortable, and you don’t mind getting messy, please wear sturdy closed toe footwear, no flip flops or sandals.
We provide food and hot drinks, but you might like to bring a mug or travel mug and your own spoon. If you want to bring any additional snacks you are welcome to do so.
What are the course timings?
The course starts at 10am prompt and runs until 5pm.
Please arrive by 9.45am to give you enough time to get set up, meet other students, and grab a cuppa.
