The most well known canal art design is the Roses & Castles, but there are other elements common to this art too such as harlequin diamonds, hearts, scrolls and swirls and of course signwriting.
Did you know that the first documented reference to canal art was in 1858 which makes it 'a relatively new form of decoration' when talking about art (The Arts Society).
Painting canal boats began for very practical purposes as 'boat owners needed to advertise their services and be identifiable to the authorities'. And apparently 'colours and styles were dictated by both the financial status of the boat owner and the fashions of the time'. (Heritage Crafts). So it seems the need (for some) to follow trends regarding styles and fashion is an age old thing.
Much like today's businesses, those working on the canals wanted to stand out from the crowd so many canal boats were highly decorated by the boat owners, tradesmen, boatwomen and even children would get involved. Some were incredibly skilled and became 'professional' canal artists.
These skills would have been passed down through the generations. However, I recently discovered that this beautiful art form and sign-writing (together with many other skilled crafts), is now on the Endangered List compiled by Heritage Crafts where you can read a bit more about some of its history.
Another good source of information is this book by Tony Lewery, which can still be found online, and has a wealth of interesting facts so is well worth purchasing if you have an interest in this style of art.
Although there are traditional colours used to create canal art, when you look further into the art you find many variations of this style. Some flowers are large and quite intricate, while others maintain the simple comma stroke. Whatever the flower form all are easily identifiable as Roses & Castles and each artist had their own way of painting, much like our handwriting being unique to ourselves.
I think it would be a crying shame for this style to die out, which will happen if knew artists don’t take up this art form which can be painted on so many things as well as canal boats. Useful objects, signs or wall plaques, furniture - the list is endless.
Do not be put off just because you don't own a canal boat or have any connection to the canal community! You can love something and learn to re-create it regardless of any practical involvement.
In the New Year I will be teaching this using traditional enamel paints and splitting the design into two workshops syarting with the 'Roses'.
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Until my next post, keep your creative juices flowing! 🙂
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