Hull Fair art celebrated with exhibition

The rides of the fair are decorated by largely unknown artists

The art of Hull Fair is being showcased with a pop-up exhibition to support the launch of a book.

More than 400 photographs are included in the work by brothers Keaton and George Brignall McDougall, from Beverley.

The exhibition is open to the public until 28 September at Pier Street in Hull's Fruit Market area and includes images from the book.

Keaton Brignall McDougall said: "This art has never been documented and catalogued to this extent before."

The exhibition highlights the works produced using airbrushes to create large colourful images on the fairground rides.

Keaton added: "The artists are little known and not much respected in the art world. Most of the artists are completely unknown."

The brothers said they had visited the fair often as children and they dedicated their first joint work to the showmen.

George Brignall McDougall said: "This is their life's work which we merely documented. Without them and the artists they employ none of this would exist."

He added the archives of fairground history were limited and the showmen of Hull Fair had welcomed the project and answered any questions.

• Everything you need to know about Hull Fair

The fair has been held on Walton Street since 1888

Hull Fair will open at 17:00 BST on Friday 10 October and will run until Saturday 18 October.

It can trace its origins to a royal charter issued in 1279, when fairs were an opportunity to trade livestock and generally eat, drink and make merry.

It was originally held at Easter, before moving to September.

The fair has been staged at Walton Street since 1888. Before rides became the main draw, it was known for musicians, circus performers, animal shows and other exhibits and curiosities.

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