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PIN-UP!

For many years sexually provocative images have been popular material for the fairground artist. Just look around today at the airbrushed backflashes, and see the number of scantily clad young ladies. Here, though, are some from an earlier era, painted by Barry Island artist Albert Pratt for the Saunt family's hoopla. To quote Weedon & Ward's "Fairground Art": "...present a male view of the fair, and catalogue the myriad opportunities , offered by the various attractions depicted, for uncalculated displays of female charms. The approach is refreshingly honest and in the current sexually tolerant climate appears rather innocent." But no doubt rather risque in their day!

The hoopla continued in use until the mid-1980's, after which it was broken up and the shutters sold individually to collectors. The shutter depicting "The Gee Gees" and "The Rotor" can be seen on display at Dingles Steam Village. Does anyone know of the whereabouts of any of the others?

The hoopla was of 10 sections, and therefore had twenty different "Pin-ups". These photographs were taken at Nottingham Goose Fair, 06/10/84. Unfortunately, because of the strong sunlight and dark shadows that day, only eighteen of the paintings photographed clearly enough to be shown here.