Author: artbychristinemallabandbrown

I'm an artist based at the Spode factory site in Stoke on Trent. I paint, draw and create digital art. Contact me at mallabandbrown@aol.com

RIP Raymond Briggs

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My version of the Snowman character as Briggs work is copyright

Rest in peace Raymond Briggs. Author and illustrator of ‘the Snowman’ ‘Fungus the Bogeyman’ ‘When the Wind blows’ and ‘Father Christmas’ among others.

Briggs was 88 and a respected cartoonist who had a cheeky, irreverent style. His books included Fungus the Bogeyman who squelches around his home and environment in a grumpy way, Briggs created a stinky lovable character. Father Christmas is not happy climbing down sooty chimneys and would rather live in a warmer climate. When the wind blows is about an old couples life during a nuclear attack. Its scary and thought provoking. Finally the Snowman, which is a classic Christmas story is about a boy that befriends a snowman and flies off on an adventure. It’s been on the TV many times.

He was a fantastic illustrator and made his characters come alive. He will be missed and lots of obituaries have already been published about him.

Bull?

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Stained glass window in Burslem School of art. Its on the stairs, halfway up between the main floor and the upper floor. It has a history, but again I was in a rush and didn’t get the details. But it was created by the head of art there and his students. Its mainly painted on the glass and does not have a lot of lead segments like church windows. I think it’s beautiful and poignant, and a great memory to cherish.

Wall painting

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Wall in Burslem painted with the Burleigh ware pattern that is available on pottery from Middleport pottery just down the road. There was a board below it which explained more but I was in a rush so just took a photo and then had to go. This is visible outside Burslem School of Art on the wall to the right of the front doors. As you probably know I love pattern so this is right up my street. Also this colour of blue is fabulous although the pieces I own are dark red and white.

Balsa Wood models

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I went up to Burslem School of Art today and after looking around downstairs we went and had a look at the first floor. There was a lot of work by a local school. There were also these train engine models that had been made of balsa wood.

I don’t know their history but one has a named City of Stoke-on-Trent. If my hubby has been there he would have known what type of engine it was and who originally made it. He’s very good at recognising them.

I must walk more..

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Up till a year ago I was regularly walking in the evenings, but then I pulled a calf muscle and was really stuck for a few months. It took ages to heal and it still twinges when I walk uphill. I realise I have made a mistake not getting back into it. I must start again. Slow evening walks, short walks to the shops. I need to get myself sorted out. X

Had to…

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I saw a dragon

Hiding in plain sight

Standing by graffiti

Under a street light

But when I looked away

And looked again

I say!

The dragon it was gone

It decided not to stay!

I just wanted a pic

On my phone

But it was too quick!

So sadly all I have

Is its tail- just the tip

And a shower of loose scales

One of many epic fails!

Goodbye dragon

And now you’re gone!