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THE FLÂNEURS
Meet Tabby Booth and Her Folklore Inspired Art
In the serene yet enigmatic Cornwall, where folklore intertwines with contemporary artistry, resides the enchanting Tabby Booth. With her recently opened Sailors Jail Gallery in Falmouth, housed in a historic sailors’ jail dating back to 1666, we set the scene to discover her mythical illustrations. Discover the enchanting world of artist Tabby Booth in our exclusive interview
How Would You Define Your Practice?
My work tends to tread an interesting line between illustration, and raw textured paintings. Having studied illustration at St Martins, I quickly became disillusioned with the idea of being a commercial illustrator, and definitely think of myself more as a traditional artist. However my work is intrinsically illustrative in style, and I think it’s probably that crossover of the two that people like.
I work very quickly and don’t like to think too much about what I’m doing, letting the image reveal itself as I go. My paintings are done directly onto wood, using layers of paint and a method called sgraffito to scratch off detail, before finishing with a wax. My illustrations usually start off by hand, with wax crayons and ink, then are finished digitally to get them ready for print.
What Makes Cornwall The Ideal Location?
We moved to Cornwall at the end of 2019, and bought a 70s bungalow at the top of a hill overlooking the sea, near Penzance. Cornwall is a very magical place - there’s folklore and art and music in every corner, as well as a really authentic creative community. I am currently working on an ‘Artists Guide to Cornwall’ for Sailors Jail Gallery, which is a series of illustrated interviews with local artists, revealing their favourite things in the county, eg, best pasty, beach, independent shop etc. When we used to visit Cornwall I was always desperate to find the favourite places of the interesting locals, so I’m creating the guide I would’ve wanted!
What attracted you to folk art?
I’m all about life and character, and that’s what folk art always has. I’m much more interested in something with style and edge than a realistic representation.
Do you have a favourite myth?
It’s got to be the Mermaid of Zennor. The story goes that a mysterious and beautiful woman came regularly to the church in Zennor, Cornwall, and enchanted the parishioners with her voice. But one day a young man from the village followed her home, and they were never seen again. One Sunday a mermaid appeared to a group of local sailors nearby, and it was concluded that it must be the same woman. If you ever visit Zennor, there is a beautiful carving of the mermaid on the side of a chair that you can see in the church.
Which Three Artworks Influenced You Growing Up?
‘Roma Woman with Baby’ by Modigliani. As a child I was obsessed with Modigliani’s long faces and almond eyes, and particularly this painting. I’ve always had a fascination with Roma culture, and have recently bought an old vardo wagon for the garden.
Quentin Blake’s series of Women Holding Strange Creatures. There’s a reason Quentin is number one. No one compares to him in terms of creating such character in his lines. This lesser known series of drawings has always been my favourite: the combination of female nudes and general furry creatures is just dreamy.
Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights. I remember so clearly seeing a Bosch for the first time in real life whilst on a school trip, and I couldn’t take my eyes off it: it was Bosch who taught me that darkness in painting, but with a subtle hint of humour.
Roma Woman with Baby
Women Holding Strange Creatures
Garden of Earthly Delights
Could You Give Us Tips On How To Incorporate Art Into Your Home?
For me it’s all about an interesting mix of things: paintings, prints, photography and even objects hung up, or postcards taped to the wall. I think a lot of people make the mistake of thinking everything has to be professionally framed, but if an image brings you joy then you should just get it up there, however you can!
You’ve been working on two incredible projects. Can you tell us more about the Cygnets Art School? And the incredible Sailors Jail - that is dating back to 1666!
My husband Hessy and I founded Cygnets Art School back in 2015, and it’s the UK’s only fine art school franchise for children. We teach traditional drawing, painting and sculpture techniques, and now have 30 branches across the country! It also provides an opportunity for creatives to open their own art school. We then opened Sailors Jail Gallery in Falmouth last year (2023), which is an alternative art gallery showcasing unique work from Cornish and Cornwall-based artists. It’s housed in the original sailors’ jail from 1666 and is a fantastic space. We have been so busy with Cygnets and having kids for the past ten years, which has been great, but opening the gallery has given us a reason to start creating and selling our own work again as well, which I’ve really loved.
Three Images that Define You and Your style
Maeve Mermaid Painting - I’ve always included mermaids in my work, but they are definitely the thing I’m known for now! I love the texture of the sgraffito on wood, and how the dark silhouette looks against a wall.
Lobster Tea Towel - as an interiors obsessive I always design with that in mind. Little elements of bright contrast always look so cool in a room, and the pop of bright red on this tea towel is perfect for this.
Tarot Sun Print - I designed these tarot prints when I was pregnant with my son five years ago, and they then sat in the sketchbook unused until we opened our gallery last year. I love how they look equally good framed, propped on a shelf, or tucked into the top of a present as a card.
What does the word Flâneur mean to you?
For me it conjures the image of a continental holiday breakfast: pastries in the sun, and watching the world go by. Partly because of its genuine meaning, but also partly because it makes me think of flans!
What other Makers make you go “wow” at the moment?
Steve Camps is an amazing outsider artist I discovered last year who paints incredible whale pictures, and I’m still obsessed with his work. I also love Claire English’s pirate jewellery (a local Falmouth maker) and artist Sophie Wake’s new hand-painted lampshades.
Tabby Booth
Discover more of her collection
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