Waltzers, gallopers, swingboats… These fairground classics populate childhood memories: a mingling of magic and delight, possibly even a little fright, too. Joby Carter was 20 months old when his parents, John and Anna, established Carter's Steam Fair in 1977, lovingly restoring traditional fairground rides, from the Victorian era up to the mid-20th century. Joby eventually took over, touring it until a couple of years ago. The world of the fair isn't just the stuff of childhood for him – it has shaped his whole life.
Fairground art has a simple purpose, says Joby. “Ultimately, it's decorating the attractions in a way to tempt people to go on.” But it's also about creating a kind of escapism. In his book, Signwriting: Tips, Tricks And Inspiration, Joby describes how the fair takes people…
You're reading a preview of
The Simple Things (Digital) - 1 Issue, April 2024