It's the centenary today of the birth of that most beloved of British artists, the wonderful, quirky and humorous Beryl Cook!
Described by Victoria Wood as "Rubens with jokes", Beryl Cook's work was just so instantly recognisable that it is no wonder that the public took to her work in such a big way - whether in greetings cards, calendars or prints. Vulgar, always larger-than-life, and uplifting, Beryl's fat and jolly characters are very British - like a smutty seaside postcard, or a Hattie Jacques innuendo in a Carry On film.
The big, fun-loving characters featured in her work were largely inspired by
people in Plymouth's pubs, including the long-gone gay pub the
Lockyer Tavern
[haunt of the youthful
Madam Arcati]. In fact, Beryl was a well-known and admired character on the gay scene in
the city over the decades, often popping up in the back bar of
The Swallow or in the locally fondly-remembered
Mr Harry's nightclub.
There was nobody quite like Beryl! Beryl Cook (10th September 1926 – 28th May 2008)
My friend sent me a Beryl Cook book for my birthday - I've always loved these paintings!!
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Me too - you just can't help but smile at Beryl's works. Jx
DeleteI loved looking through all the Beryl Cook birthday cards (I haven't noticed so many around lately, though) - although it's very difficult to choose just one (I often came away with 3 or 4).
ReplyDeleteShe was destined to be featured on greetings cards, wasn't she? All of her work is so jolly. Jx
DeleteI think my fave was the eclair castanets! All so jolly.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes - the temptation of dancing on the table at a vicar's tea party! Love it. Jx
DeleteAs you know I knew her very well and should have been in that last painting but I was quite young and too shy !
ReplyDeleteI so wish I had said yes.
it is always the things you didn't do that you regret seldom the things you did.
Too young and too shy is always a state of mind we regret in hindsight... Jx
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