A current exhibition has rekindled my love for this amazing poster art Duo Hapshash and the coloured coat, who were Nigel Weymouth and Michael English.
In the late 1960s Nigel had gained subterranean popularity from being involved in the marvelous boutique Granny Takes a trip, alongside Sheila Cohen with whom he had opened the store.
He was responsible for the shop's ever changing exterior as well as its interior along with some of the early clothes it stocked. Sheila had a passion for antique clothing and began to fill the shop with it. Another member who joined them on their venture was Saville Row tailor John Pearse who designed, cut an re modeled beautiful jackets and suits from Gaudy upholstery and lace, perfectly complementing Nigel's and Sheila's taste for aniquity
It wasn't long before the boutique had gained cult status with customers including the likes of The Beatles, Pink floyd and the Rolling stones just to name a few.
Eric Burden and the Animals outside the shop
The infamous Deco inspired Facade modeled on 30s actress Mae West
In 1967 Nigel teamed up With Michael English to create Hapshash and the coloured coat, a creative partnership which flourished for two years. It was Within that short space of time that the Duo managed to created some of the best poster artwork in history in my opinon. Certainly up there with the likes of Mucha, whom they coveted. Their wonderful use of nostalgic and romantic nuances along with bold graphic lines are very remeniscent of the work of Aubrey Beardsley whose work at the time was in the midst of a revival.
If you live in London tomorrow is the Final two hours you have to catch this marvel at the Generation gallery in Bethnal Green http://www.spoonfed.co.uk/london/event/hapshash-takes-a-trip-894949/
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