The classic British funfair is many things to many people. For some a place of overwhelming wonder and sugary temptation, and for others, a nightmarish landscape lent even darker hues by decades of dilapidation. Whatever your opinion though, it can't be denied that there's something unique and oddly beautiful about the vivid colours, imposing figures and flamboyant fonts found on the funfair's most enduring thrill ride; The Waltzer.
Nigel Edginton-Vigus has created a gorgeous new art book celebrating the art of the fairground Waltzer
For those of you unfortunate enough to have never experienced one, a Waltzer is a staple of fairgrounds across the world. It's essentially a spinning tea-cups ride amped up to 11, and one of the ride's most endearing aspects has always been the art that accompanies it. Whilst the crudely drawn famous faces and heavily stylised shapes and logos that make up your typical Waltzer attraction might not be to all tastes, they are obviously to the taste of London-based copywriter Nigel Edginton-Vigus, who has created a gorgeous new art book celebrating the art of the fairground Waltzer. He feels that a Waltzer provides artists with an amazing canvas for creative expression, but feels that many of these masterpieces have never received the recognition they deserve. The 224-page book, which is currently being funded through Kickstarter, and is being designed by the award-winning Grade Design agency, aims to rectify this.
Nigel currently works as owned media head of copy (and senior copywriter) at the London office of global ad agency network Blue Hive. He recently took a sabbatical from his job in order to actually work on a travelling funfair and experience the highs and lows of that most noble and nomadic of professions. His experiences are what inspired the book, which explores a dizzying array of artistic and typographic styles, and aims to uncover the history and inspiration behind such an overlooked art form. Nigel kicked off his campaign in earnest 10 days before the Kickstarter opened, by unveiling a daily countdown from 10, which used numbers culled from the book itself. His aim is simple: to uncover the work of some of the most talented, yet unrecognised artists in the country.
Nigel has spent almost 20 years documenting fairground art through his photography
Nigel has spent almost 20 years documenting fairground art through his photography, as unlike a traditional piece of art, these designs rarely last long, as they are exposed to the unforgiving British weather and the rigours of constant travel. Indeed, many of the pieces captured in the book have since been sanded off, repainted, or simply cast onto a bonfire. Nigel has handpicked a striking collection of images from his extensive catalogue of over 1,800 photographic prints, each supplemented by informative and entertaining text, which aims to give the reader a history of the piece, and put the art into context. He's also managed to scoop a forward by Dr Ian M Trowell, a Fairground Historian and PhD Researcher at The University of Sheffield, who is arguably the best placed man for the job of introducing this fascinating collection.
Peter Dawson, creative director at Grade Design, said of the book: “It's great to be involved with this remarkable project, not least because this is the first time a book will showcase the art of the funfair and a ride we all know and love. Nigel's images have certainly opened our eyes, as designers, to a whole new undiscovered world. And I think it's this sense of revelation that makes the project so powerful and so appealing. I'm sure this limited edition book will prove a highly collectable item for fairground enthusiasts and a must-have for anyone involved or interested in the visual arts. We can't wait to get started!”
Kickstarter rewards including everything from USB flash drives to limited edition posters
At the time of writing, the campaign has currently raised just over £2,000 of it's £20,000 goal through 49 backers, but there is still over a month left to pledge, with copies of the book from £25, and rewards including everything from bespoke, USB flash drives to original, author-selected, high resolution images and limited edition posters. Nigel himself said: “It's taken a long time to reach this point. And whilst everything’s in place to make this project a success, it needs your backing. So please get involved, pledge your support and, together, we can make it happen. Please tell all your friends, family, workmates and contacts about this Kickstarter campaign, too. The more people who know about the Waltzer book, the more likely it is to reach its funding goal, get produced and end up in your hands.” So what are you waiting for visual arts enthusiasts? Get pledging!
Benjamin Hiorns is a freelance writer and struggling musician from Kidderminster in the UK. The Waltzers always made him feel a bit sick, but that never stopped him!
