We Built This City new prints

The amazing We Built This City will be re-launching very soon, and for it I designed 2 new London themed prints for Garudio Studiage. Both of them are bird based.

‘London Fancies’ is based on the London Fancy Canary, a unique variety of canary bred in London in the 19^th century, deep orange-yellow with jet black wings and tails, which became extinct during the 1^stworld war. Canaries were hugely popular with the working classes in London in the 19^th century. One journalist described them as being sent to ’rejoice the hearts of us dwellers in cities’ with their ‘sprightly movements’ and their ‘joyous and irrepressible notes of ecstasy’ (source ‘Beastly London’ by Hannah Velten). This print aims to replicate that feeling, lifting the hearts of us city dwellers, inspired by natural history illustrations.

The second print is ‘ The East End Champion Chaffinches’. Champion chaffinches was a cult activity with working class bird fanciers in the east end of London in the late 19^th century. It took place in pubs where wild chaffinches that had been captured were pitched against each other in singing contests. The winner was the bird that sang the most complete tunes during the 15 minute matches. Shoreditch Bobby and Kingsland Roarer were actual competitors, the rest are imagined other participants! (source ‘Beastly London’ by Hannah Velten). The style is based on collectable cigarette cards, which came free in cigarette packs, and are still popular decorations in English pubs today.

You will be able to purchase either of them in the new store on Carnaby Street from May 22nd 2015

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