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One Day Course

Fairground Art & Scrolls Course

£160.00

Save £-160.00 Sold out

Street, Somerset

Course details

This one-day fairground art and decorative scrolls course is designed to give a unique overview into the history and evolution of fairground art and decorative scrolls through the decades.

Fairground art is sometimes described as 'hypnosis in art' as its styles were used to attract attention and influence people at the fair. Understanding these tried and tested techniques can add flair to your designs.

Scrolls are a technique which has been used in all aspects of Western art from heraldry and engraving to iron work and jewellery design. Scrolls are an excellent device for filling space, framing a design or to add further decorative elements to your signwriting projects. You’ll find scrolls on vintage transport, canal boats, shop fronts and pub signs so they’re a valuable technique to add to your skillset as a professional signwriter.

There are just 12 places on each course. We keep the groups small to enable opportunities for one to one support from Joby when you need it.

Why these skills matter

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.

The decorative techniques shared in this course have multiple uses in a variety of fields. Whether you are a signwriter wanting to add embellishments to your lettering or someone wanting to create authentic props for film and TV, this course has plenty to inspire you.

What will you learn on this course?

You’ll learn about some of the different styles used through the decades and the techniques Joby uses to ensure beautiful curving scrolls which are pleasing to the eye. You’ll discover which style is appropriate to use with your signwriting work or restoration projects and will learn how to make your scrolls look balanced and not like barbed wire.

There will be demonstrations for you to watch and if you want to roll up your sleeves and have a go, you are welcome to do so.

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, former owner of Carters Steam Fair, the worlds largest travelling vintage funfair 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.

Joby is passionate about keeping traditional decorative skills alive and takes pride in authentic restoration using heritage craft skills and avoiding modern day shortcuts.

You’ll be surrounded by inspiration as you learn: the walls of Joby's workshop in Street are adorned with examples of fairground memorabilia and artwork through the decades

Who is this course for?

This course is ideal for anyone with an interest in fairground art styles or anyone who is painting professionally that wants to add that extra sparkle and authenticity to their work. This course has been popular with those involved with set design for TV and film.

You do not need to have signwriting experience to attend. Joby welcomes anyone with an interest in fairground art. You can watch demonstrations or try the techniques yourselves, whichever you prefer.

Questions about the Fairground Art & Scrolls Course ?

See FAQs below

Fairground Art & Scrolls Course

Select Course Date: 14th May 2027

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£160.00

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Course Details

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 course including enamel paint, signwriting brushes, mahl sticks and palettes. Cash & card payments are accepted.

What happens when I book my course?

When you place your order you will receive a course booking confirmation email. We will also send you email reminders closer to the start of the course.

What happens if I can no longer attend?

Please see our Terms and Conditions regarding cancellations and non-attendance.

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.

Location & Travel

Where is the course held?

The courses are held in Jobys brand new 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

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There is limited parking at the workshop, and we prioritise disabled parking. Please get in touch if this is you.

Please be aware that all neighbouring units are occupied businesses, so do not park in their allocated spaces. Parking is available in the surrounding area, but we kindly ask that you park considerately and avoid blocking entrances, access or other businesses.

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

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 onsite 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. We have not experienced them for ourselves but have had really positive feedback from previous students 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