Original hand painted pay box panel from the Mid to Late 20th Century. Originally positioned on the Biggest Big Wheel in the UK. Personal dedication to a member of the Farrell Family: “'In memory of my dear friend and uncle Charles Farrell'

Authenticated by the Farrell Family.

In the style of the late Fred Fowle by Pete Tate.  Pete Tate is a fairground fan whose first attempts at painting were on models he made of rides in the early 1960s. He would show these to local showmen, almost all of whom would say the models are good but the paint work is rubbish go and see Fred (Fowle) down in Balham! Fred Fowle was a great exponent of fairground art, reflecting the changes in taste that took place throughout the 1950s and 60s. He produced wonderful scrolls and vivid pictures of lions and tigers. He would often take his ideas, particularly for the lettering on the rides, from advertising displays he would see as he went to work one of his most famous was a depiction of the Esso Tiger, while the famous 20th Century Fox symbol inspired much of his lettering work. He also created a vivid lion in similar style to the tiger.Pete had relatives in Balham, where Fred Fowles workshop was located, so whenever he went to see them he would visit Fred, who he describes as the Rolls-Royce of fairground painters, and watch him at work. Pete became the last person to be taught by Fred. He founded the firm of Tate Dcor at the 1976 Belper fair when showman Albert Holland invited him to paint the handrails of his Cyclone ride, and he has been painting in the same style at his Derbyshire workshop ever since.Fowle offered Pete the use of his paper patterns but right from the outset he refused for, as he quotes, I preferred to make my own as, in my opinion, designing is the best part of the job!

Early Ornate Fairground Ride Panel Sign. Painted metal panel, with wooden inner. A stunning piece of early fairground ride, ornate mouldings and paintwork. In used condition with chips and dirt as per photos. A little More unusual than other memorabilia out there.

Length: 125cm Width: 41cm