Popular Art - Past and Present (Paperback, New ed)

From the riotous colour of fairgrounds to ornate scrolling on windswept fishing boats, from the naked lady tattooed on a motorcyclist's arm to the pair of china dogs guarding the mantlepiece, popular art is alive and thriving in Britain. This account of what is a largely undocumented aspect of our heritage traces many of its themes back to their roots. Medieval heraldry and heroes still appear on pub signs, and the acanthus leaves of ancient architecture have been transformed into the gilded scrollwork of church banners and gypsy caravans. Even the political murals of Northern Ireland, inner city graffiti and mummer plays are linked to the past by a creative need.;The author sets out to provide an informative text with a touch of humour. He also wrote "Signwritten Art" and "Narrow Boat Painting".