Men at Work: The Launch
Saturday, 4th October 2003 was launch day for one of the most important fairground books of 2003: 'Men at Work: The fairground artists and artisans of Orton & Spooner' by the late Alan Howell. The book is about fairground ride builders Orton & Spooner and the artistry of the father and son team, Albert and Sid Howell, whose work adorned many of their rides. The launch attracted a large crowd to the Bass Museum at Orton & Spooner's home town of Burton-on-Trent and among them were many luminaries of the fairground world. Joyland Books was at the launch and presents this exclusive photo gallery of the event.
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People start arriving at the Bass Museum to view the special exhibition arranged to mark the launch of the new book. |
The exhibition included original fairground art from the Craig Cooper collection. | Centrepiece of the display was this original carved Orton & Spooner dragon's head from a Scenic Railway ride. | A general view of part of the exhibition of photographs and Orton & Spooner/Howell memorabilia. | A display of the colourful artwork that has adorned many of Orton & Spooner's most famous rides. |
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A rare chance to see original artwork from the private Howell family collection. |
Pages from the book were also on display on the Skelter Publishing stand. |
Copies of the book were for sale on the day. | More people arrive at the launch - many from the family of the late author - and admire the glorious colour artwork in the new book. | Posing for the press. Left to right: Paula Howell (the author's widow) with Dave Page and Nick Laister of Skelter Publishing. |
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Then the lights were dimmed for a talk by the UK's leading fairground historian, Stephen Smith. | Stephen brings the Orton & Spooner story to life with a fascinating set of slides that complemented the book perfectly. | A who's who of the fairground world. Left to right: Craig Cooper, Pete Tei, John Pockett, Kevin Scrivens, Stephen Smith, Paula Howell, Simon Harris, Mick Cooke. | To buy your own copy of Alan Howell's highly acclaimed book, click here. |
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