Jennings

There were 25 Jennings novels written for children by Anthony Buckeridge between 1950 and 2004. It seems slightly odd to me that the author's political sympathies lay with the Left but he chose to write about the humourous antics of private schoolboy J.T.C. Jennings and his chum Darbishire. It also seems unusual for Armada to have staged photography for the covers of these 1970s reissues, rather than standard issue artist illustrated covers such as Richmal Crompton's contemporary Just William books did. 

Photo covers were usually reserved for television or film tie-in editions, and unlike William Brown, Jennings never made the jump to TV. My warped view of the world can't help wondering about the erotic possibilities of the imagery for those of a certain persuasion. Operation Yewtree have been informed.

Also, why Tippex out the book prices if you've got nothing to hide?

Well All White

Thinking about the genius of Bruce Lacey over a cup of tea the other day, I recalled the strange automata featured in the Godley and Cream directed video for Herbie Hancock's Rockit. (No, that wasn't intended as a subtle dig at Herbie's wooden performance style, though I did see him play once and it was a decidedly underwhelming experience). The spastic humanoid figures are reminiscent of Lacey but their designer was British artist/inventor Jim Whiting, who appears to have had a brief period of popularity in the mid-80s in the UK before finding greater success abroad, not the first time the British have failed to appreciate their creative talent.

Here posh nob Hugh Laurie interviews Whiting for ITV's South of Watford arts programme in 1986 (replacing common man Ben Elton in the second series of SoW). Neither Elton nor Laurie are natural interviewers; their 'talents', such as they are, lay elsewhere. 

Watch out for the pervy men and a brief sticky pubic hair situation, enough to make you wince.

Whiting is clearly somewhat deranged but rather likeable, and has apparently become a big name in 'Extreme Arts', which is apparently something to do with scaring drugged people festivals. Perhaps working in the margins is the safest place for artists.

Gluttons can see a live version of Rockit with some of Whiting's kinetic characters on Channel 4's The Tube here.

Peanuts!

Ever find yourself muttering "Jungle Fresh, Jungle Fresh" when you hear the word 'peanuts'? Maybe it's just me.

Anyway, Shelf Life is taking a commercial break for a few weeks over the summer and will return ready for action at the end of August. Stay hungry!

Re. Flux

Fluxus
Thomas Kellein
Thames & Hudson, London, 1995

Robert Filliou, General Semantics A-Z, 1967

Fluxus Collective Editions, 1961-5

Fluxkit, after1964

Performance of Philip Corner's Piano Activities, 1962

Joe Jones, Mechanical Fluxorchestra, c.1966

Robert Watts, Events, 1964

La Monte Young, The Tortoise: His Dreams and Journeys, 1964

Robert Stewart

Robert Stewart
Design 1946-95
Liz Arthur
Glasgow School of Art Press, 2003  

Robert Stewart was an artist who for many years taught at the Glasgow School of Art. Prolific and protean, he produced work in almost every medium and for many purposes, from commercial fabric design to public commissions to private collections.

Turned wooden figures, 1953/4

Sun Man fabric design, 1953/4, Liberty of London

Stewart and students, 1969. Note chin-stroker.

Genesis tapestry, 1970, Strathclyde University

Design for tankard, 1957-63

I discovered his work whole researching school murals, and Stewart produced some fine examples. They are very much of the period but I like them for that, and imagine Jerry Cornelius cavorting on the rooftops above this example from Kensington.

Ceramic mural, Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington, 1964

Mural installation at Eastwood High School, Renfrewshire, 1965

Mural for Adelphi Street School, Gorbals, Glasgow, 1965

Ceramic mural, Douglas Academy, Milngavie, 1966

Ceramic mural, Glendareuel and Kilmodan Primary School, 1975

Ceramic panel based on gravestones

A-frame guest house and Stewart's studio, Loch Striven

Pay the Piper

John Piper
Penguin Modern Painters Series
John Betjeman

Penguin Books, Harmondsworth, Middx., 1944 

Games Design

Abram Games
Design
Naomi Games and Brian Webb
Woodbridge, Antique Collector's Club, 2013 

There is more information about the design of the BBC's original Television Symbol here, including an animated version and clock version.