james wiffen

james wiffen worked for the petrol company shell for most of his life and also served in the airforce during the war. when he passed on these drawings and paintings were found in his study. they are full of colour and an awkward humour. pirates, cavaliers, english gentlemen volunteering for war in the low countries, fild mice, a man collecting wood, birds, strawberries and steam boats. there's a fascination with function, roles, uniforms and order. one of james' notebooks found in his deskwas entitled 'Places I have visited in this world which goes on to list alphabetically each country, town and hotel he had visited, with comments such as 'Not very good'. There is an inquisitive nature in the pictures which suggests a glee for the ridiculous and joyfully absurd. here are some of his pictures up in the utrophia project space corridor, along with a passport photo of the old boy>>>
more pictures to come...