BELINDA JONES meets the rescue rascal that inspired an Ashburton artist to go time-travelling!
COMPANION DOGS, working dogs, decorative handbag dogs – dogs serve many a purpose in our lives. But when it comes to artist Stephen Howarth, his tufty terrier is most definitely his muse.
Mr Pickle, first name Branston, is the star of the logo for Stephen’s bespoke signwriting business – sporting a red, spotted neckerchief and holding a paintbrush in his mouth. You can see his master’s exquisite lettering all over Ashburton and Exeter, from tea rooms to tattoo parlours, with a style that reflects his penchant for vintage, hot rods, old fun fairs and Americana.
Mr Pickle is also the inspiration behind The Flying Fickle – a Wacky Races-style vehicle compiled from an upturned cupboard, discarded BMX wheels, an old valve radio and the dials from a steam engine.
“I wanted to enter a downhill event with Mr P as navigator,” Stephen explains as he dons his vintage jockey’s helmet and adjusts Mr Pickle’s sports goggles.
This, in turn, inspired their current project – a dynamically and cheekily illustrated book: The Adventures of the Flying Fickle. I flip delightedly through the pencil sketch pages in his studio, tucked behind gift shop Presence on Ashburton’s East Street.
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