Musing Via The Neuro-Mitter

A 2011 end of year full circle recap

2011-12-31T08:41:00.001-08:00

Well, 2011 is drawing to a close it’s been a busy year but it’s also been a good year… Creatively speaking it’s been marvellous! I have been fortunate to have my work featured and displayed and published as I worked on many projects covering a very broad range of themes. Despite the workload I have (somehow) managed to keep this blog updated…. However, I did manage to miss one or two items so I thought I would use this last entry to recap those missed moments

February sadness and joy… Joy at winning Stuart Ashen’s art competition on line with ‘Ashen’s Poundland Peril’. But sadness with the passing of Nicholas Courtney (1929-2011) Nick famously played Brigadier Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart in Doctor Who and was a regular face at Doctor Who conventions, I met Nick countless times over the years and thought he was a lovely man. I shall always treasure an evening in Stockton on Tees discussing giant maggots over Cheese and biscuits.

RIP Nicholas Courtney(1929-2011)

March Invited to Farthings in Selsey to attend a party that both celebrated the Sky at Night’s 700th episode and Sir Patrick Moore’s 88th birthday! It was lovely to be able to return to Selsey and see Sir Patrick again. The star-studded party was held in a marquee that heaved with people discussing astronomy and science over drinks a good time was had by all!

Cameras were not allowed at the party but the Sky at Night magazine snapped this photo outside the marquee… Beth and I can be seen in the window!
© Sky at Night magazine 2011

April a month that not only saw ‘The Cooling Pond’ go on display in Los Angeles it was also the month of Dimension Jump XV The official Red Dwarf convention was held at the Holiday Inn, Birmingham and the 2011 logo was designed and illustrated by yours truly! Inspired by the episode ‘Demons and Angels' the fifth story of series V where the crew try to ‘Triplicate’ food, the logo features a strawberry. The logo was used on various items at the convention including the event banner that was later signed by all the guests and auctioned by the show’s co-creator, writer, director and producer Doug Naylor.

Photo courtesy of Rich Lawden and GNP

The weekend after, Beth and I visited the village of Aldbourne in Wiltshire the setting for the classic 1971 Doctor Who story ‘The Dæmons’ staring Jon Pertwee as the third Doctor. Aldbourne (or Devil's End as it was called in the story) is a popular pilgrimage site for Doctor Who fans so when Beth and I discovered that there was to be an event celebrating the story’s 40th anniversary at the village in April we plot a course for the picturesque village (stopping only to visit Stonehenge!) We had a delicious meal at the Blue Boar pub (or the Cloven Hoof as it was called in the story) then attended several Q& A’s by the surviving cast members including Richard Franklin, John Levene and Katy Manning. Highlights of the day had to sitting next to Damaris Hayman (Miss Hawthorne) watching the Headington Quarry Morris Dancers dancing on the green and going for a drive around the village and back roads in a replica of the Doctor’s car, Bessie! We had an absolutely delightful weekend we left Aldbourne very happy Doctor Who fans.

Original cast and crew on The Green

The Headington Quarry Morris Dancers

Three days after our Who related weekend, the world of Doctor Who, received another tragic blow… Elisabeth Sladen known to millions as Sarah Jane Smith died on the 19th
I met Lis Sladen in Blackpool in 2006 and found her to be exactly what everyone said she was a lovely, warm obliging person by far the best Doctor Who companion and a tragic loss to the show.

RIP Elisabeth Sladen ( 1948-2011)

October seemed to be a month of theatres not only did we attend the ‘Save The Coliseum Halloween party on the 31st. But on the 12th I was able to tick one item off my rather hefty ‘things to do’ list when I had the pleasure of seeing Paul Daniels perform magic live at the Pavilion Theatre in Rhyl! Growing up in the 1980’s I adored Paul Daniels, I look back at his weekly magic show, Wizbit and his teach yourself magic books with great fondness so to be able to see the master perform his magic live was amazing! He didn’t fail to impress both his magic and repor with the audience was as I had imagined, flawless. The “Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow” also featured (the lovely) Debbie McGee and son Martin Daniels who was assisted by the wonderful Andi Mac! A traditionalist at heart I favour what you might call ‘traditional’ magic and this show had it all (and rabbits too!). I was doubly pleased at being able to meet both Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee in the foyer after the show they both signed autographs and took the time to meet the public, performing tricks and sharing stories and jokes it was fantastic. I urge you all to check out his site and see what he is up to in the New Year!

Then on the 15th of October attended a screening of Monty Python and the Holy Grail at the Theatr Colwyn in Colwyn Bay. The event, marking the reopening of theatre’s £750,000 facelift was presented by the theatre’s patron Terry Jones, who was later interviewed by Phill Jupitus who also took questions from the audience. Naturally I had seen the film many times before but never on the big screen so it was wonderful to be able to sit amongst an audience and laugh along with others, we had a wonderful afternoon.

November Friday the 18th to many this was Children In Need Day but it was also Beth’s birthday and a return trip to Selsey was on the cards (see March). For Beth it was a routine trip to visit Patrick for super, but for me this was a trip that had been several weeks in the making as I intended to ask her to marry me! Before we embarked on our trip a surprise Birthday dedication courtesy of BBC Radio 2’s Ken Bruce who kindly granted me the opportunity to declare my love and well wishes via his show!

A few hours later we safely arrived at Sir Patrick’s home for a lovely home cooked meal and a glass of champagne to toast Beth’s special day and then out to the garden to use Patrick’s famous 15" Reflector to view Jupiter! The garden was busy that evening as the Adur Astronomical Society were holding their monthly meeting with John Fletcher of Mount Tuffley Observatory. As everyone observed deep sky objects I walked Beth over to the 12" Newtonian telescope (used by Patrick for his historical lunar mapping work). Ironically a street light proved to be most useful for this amateur astronomer as it allowed me to be see and be seen as I knelt down on one knee! Beth who had no idea what I was up to looked on in bewilderment as I produced my specially made ring box complete with hand crank when wound played Elvis Presley’s ‘Love Me Tender’… Knowing that Beth would instantly recognise the tune I let the music box ask on my behalf and to my delight (not to mention relief!) she said yes! A kiss and a reassurance that I was serious later, we went back to the house to let Patrick know the outcome of our plan! Another bottle of champagne later we shared our news with all in attendance receiving many kind well wishes from the Adur AS and John Fletcher who logged the event in the telescope logbook! And that was the night this artist proposed to his muse, my sincere thanks to everyone that shared our special evening.

There we have it 2011! A year of ups and downs crammed full of wombles, frozen/ shrunken dinosaurs, zombies, Papier-mâché heads, sea monsters, mutant jelly/pumpkins and fish, chainsaws, glow in the dark paintings, classic sci-fi, iconic superheroes, ducks and not to mention one or two childhood heroes thrown in for good measure! I was determined to make what sounded like a dull year one to remember and I thank all concerned for helping me achieve this Happy New Year!
Right then, 2012…

© Arfon Jones 2011. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Taming the Pound

2011-12-24T13:30:00.001-08:00

Released just in time for Christmas, Taming the Pound: Making Money Your Servant, Not Your Master tells you everything you ever wanted to know about handling your money. Written by psychologist and financial advisor Kim Stephenson an accredited coach with over 25 years' consultancy who has appeared in The Guardian and FT, Financial Solutions, Therapy Today and on BBC radio stations not to mention numerous conferences. His book is designed to help you gain control of your money, instead of it controlling you and the inside illustrations are by me!

A lovely project to work on I illustrated several cartoons that can bee seen throughout the book in an attempt to help you gain control of your finances!
Check out Kim’s web site for more information or order your copy through Amazon its also available on Kindle

© Arfon Jones 2011. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Tom Baker Drawn and Quartered

2011-12-05T15:47:00.000-08:00

Painted in acrylic and pen on A3 card back in 2006 this is a painting within a painting and is based on a ‘what if?’ idea I had based on Tom’s character in 1973 Amicus film ‘Vault of Horror’. In the story ‘Drawn and Quartered’ Tom plays an artist that has voodoo powers! Whatever he paints can be harmed by inflicting damage on the painting, this allows him to exact his revenge on the three men that wronged him.. However his self-portrait proves to be his downfall as he too can be harmed if anything happens to that painting! The subject of this painting is namely, what if the outcome of that story had been different and he was still a working artist alive in 2006…

© 2011. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

The mutant jelly experiment: Phase 1,2,3 & 4

2011-11-30T14:10:00.000-08:00

For the last two years I have been experimenting with a new medium, Jelly (jello to everyone in America!) I decided to create a mutant jelly composed of several flavours complete with brain.

The mutant jelly experiment: Phase 1
The mutant jelly composed of lime jelly with a raspberry brain. Both flavours can be separated for people whom favour one over the other…in other words, the brain can be easily removed! Progress has been made However, the thickness of the jelly prevents you from seeing the brain properly...

The mutant jelly experiment: Phase 2
This mutant jelly is composed of lemon jelly with a raspberry brain. Because the thickness of the jelly prevented us from seeing the brain of the last mutant I decided to give this one an external brain.

The mutant jelly experiment: Phase 3
Mutant Lemon jelly with larger Strawberry brain. I felt the external brain needed to be larger…

The mutant jelly experiment: Phase 4
Strawberry jelly with a single eye.

Progress is being made on Phase 5…

© Arfon Jones 2011. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Glow in the Dark Marie Curie Portrait

2011-11-07T11:07:00.000-08:00

This would have been Marie Curie’s 144th Birthday. A pioneer in field of radioactivity she discovered the elements, Polonium and Radium. She received two Nobel Prizes and conducted the world's first studies into the treatment of neoplasms using radioactive isotopes later founding the Curie Institute a research centre specialising in the treatment of cancer.
So I thought I would use this day to share one of my latest pieces with you. Inspired by the story that a beaker glowing brightly in the dark lead to her to the discovery of Polonium and Radium I painted this portrait that both harks back to my ‘Science Spotlight’ series and glows in the dark!
Once the light is switched off the portrait lights up, the piece can be enjoyed during night and day and be useful if placed near a light switch as it remains bright for several hours making it easy to locate the light switch again. The first of my up and coming series of ‘Gamma Portraits’”

© Arfon Jones 2011. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Hallowe'en

2011-10-31T02:34:00.000-07:00

Its that time again…. Halloween! Happy Halloween to you all! I love Halloween, and with just barely a few hours to go of it I thought I would share some of the things I have been getting up to over this Halloween weekend…

On Friday Beth and I attended a Halloween party organised by The Friends of the Coliseum. The Coliseum Cinema in Porthmadog was built in 1931 and remains a fine example of an Art Deco style that harks back to the golden age of cinema. Admittedly I wasn’t a patron of this fine establishment until 2005 but I was instantly blown away by its look and design and so I was saddened to hear of its closure and uncertain future. Thankfully some of Porthmadog’s residents decided they would do something about it and so they formed a group that raises funds and awareness. The event was called ‘Spirit of the Coliseum’ and was held at Portmeirion’s Hercules Hall a one night only fancy dress disco with all proceeds going directly towards saving and re-opening the Coliseum.

For a costume I decided to go as Ash Williams from the ‘Evil Dead 2’ movie complete with chainsaw hand made from various things I found around the studio. Using the dvd for reference I applied the necessary tears to my shirt and cuts to my face. Then from boomsticks to broomsticks Beth decided she wanted to go as a witch but not the ‘conventional’ witch one would normally associate with Halloween instead going as Samantha Stephens from the television show ‘Bewitched’ wearing a beautiful 60’s evening dress and supporting a broomstick worthy of Elizabeth Montgomery!
Hercules Hall was a magnificent venue with its dark wood panelling, portraits and carved ceiling that complimented the music provided by DJ Y Bwgan. There was an excellent turnout, great many imaginative costumes to be seen and everyone was having a great time. I was also able to meet up with some of my fellow zombies from the ‘Zombies from Ireland’ shoot back in July. A little later into the evening partygoers were invited to view the premiere of the mini documentary about the Coliseum, which was shot recently by local filmmaker Stuart Murray, the film highlighted what the Coliseum meant to the local residents.
Then it was back to the dance floor to dance the night away, we had a “groovy” evening and I ‘doff my hat’ to the organisers who managed to raise £1055 for the cause!
If you would like to find out more, sign the petition or better yet make a donation please follow the link.

The big day! It was time to carve pumpkins! I love carving pumpkins (second only to decorating Christmas trees!) and this year I thought I would add some life to our jack-o-lantern by creating a mutant pumpkin complete with glowing mutant green eyes, mouth and twisting roots ready to catch a Trick-or-Treater that dared to get too close! He kept guard on the table as we tucked in to a bowl of home made mutant pumpkin soup.
Unfortunately the weather cut short my daughter’s plan to go out Trick-or-Treating so it was back to the house for a warm drink and bowl of popcorn!

Later on I then joined a National Séance that is quickly becoming an annual tradition for me! To celebrate the nineteenth anniversary of Ghostwatch's first UK television broadcast the Ghostwatch: Behind the Curtains site repeated the success of last year’s event!
Just like many other Ghostwatch fans I like to watch Ghostwatch on Halloween night, so this event allowed us to do so along with countless other fans by taking part in a 'live' simultaneous repeat viewing! All that was required was a Ghostwatch dvd and a Twitter account set your Ghostwatch dvd to start at 21:25 (the time it originally aired in 1992) and then tweet comments and share thoughts on the proceedings as it plays. Great fun, lovely to see so many fans joining in! I anticipate next year’s 20th anniversary!

I now plan to return to the sofa and watch a few more dvd’s before the first of November arrives, Happy Hallowe'en to you all!

© Arfon Jones 2011. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

The New Logo: Cake and Mug

2011-10-22T16:14:00.000-07:00

I’m really pleased that my newly launched logo continues to prove its versatility!
What better way to take a break from creating than to have a cuppa from my own personalised mug accompanied by a customised cake? The edible icing cake toppers feature the logo and measure 1.5" in size. Not only do they look good, but I can also verify that they taste great!
I unveiled these beauties on facebook a few days ago and they have already sparked some interest with friends requesting their own! Have I set a new trend? Oh crumbs!

© Arfon Jones 2011. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Ladies of Steampunk: Now On Sale!

2011-10-21T02:51:00.000-07:00

Back in July I mentioned that my shrunken T-Rex was to make an appearance in a forthcoming steampunk themed calendar produced by Sean McCaffrey and Sean W Makiney of Monkey House Media. Well I’m happy to report that the Ladies of Steampunk calendar is now available to buy!

To celebrate the release of the calendar a party was recently held at the Mondo Bizarro Café in Sacramento. Featuring live music by Unwoman. Guests were able to buy their own calendar and posters including some of the props that were used in the photo shoots. Unfortunately I was unable to attend (it’s quite a way for me!) But I understand a good time was had by all and the calendar was very well received, so much so that plans are already under way for the 2013 edition!
As I eagerly await the arrival of my calendar I urge you all to follow the link and buy one! My heartiest congratulations to Sean & Sean for making their idea a reality!

Image courtesy of Monkey House Media/ Ladies of Steampunk calendar
© Arfon Jones 2011. All images are copyrighted throughout the world

Shadow of Chernobyl

2011-10-16T15:35:00.001-07:00

Earlier this year the Chernobyl Children's Project (UK) a charity that supports children and families in Belarus, the country most affected by the Chernobyl disaster, organised a children’s creative writing competition to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster. The task was to write a story imagining that they were one of the children whose lives have been affected by the disaster. ‘Shadow of Chernobyl’ by Zin Htut from Brooklands Primary School in Sale, was selected. and was later illustrated by me. The story opens with “Under every nuclear plant, there rests a dragon” and so I painted a dragon stirring from its slumber. My thanks to Linda Walker at Chernobyl Children's Project (UK) for inviting me to be a part of this wonderful project.

Chernobyl Children's Project (UK) deliver humanitarian aid, set up projects to improve the lives of children with disabilities and bring children to Britain for recuperative holidays. To find out more about their work or to show your support and make a donation please follow the link.

© Arfon Jones 2011. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

In the Asylum with Wilf’ Lunn

2011-09-26T15:12:00.000-07:00

It was that time again, time to return to Lincoln for the third annual Victorian Steampunk Society get together. Having attended in 2009 and 2010 and attended the Waltz on the Wye back in May, Beth and I were about due for another dose of steampunk intake. But first we had to stop off in Huddersfield to pick up the event’s special guest, childhood hero, inspiration and friend Mr. Wilfred Makepeace Lunn and his wife Elizabeth.
Wilf’ is held in high regard by many within the world of steampunk and quite rightly so, his style of attire and contraptions has raised the question within the steampunk community if he was in fact first steampunk. Although Wilf’ would be the first to flatly deny this, the simple fact remained, his fans wanted to meet him so it was off to Lincoln!

We set up the table in the main hall (once the exercise wing of the psychiatric ward) On display were some of Wilf’s creations The Worm Catcher Bike, The Overkill Bird Cannon and Lure (more on that later) and The Lazarus Helmet For Reanimating The Dead. Alongside where copies of Wilf’s book WILF LUNN - "MY BEST CELLAR" (autobiography up to the age of eleven & other stuff) and his limited edition Surreal Cycle Prints and some of my Science Spotlight postcards (namely 3/12 that feature Wilf)
The stall was along side the great far-fetched fiction novelist Robert Rankin. Author of such books as ‘The Hollow Chocolate Bunnies of the Apocalypse’ and ‘The Witches of Chiswick’. He was accompanied by his charming wife Lady Raygun as they promoted Mr. Rankin’s latest novel ‘The Mechanical Messiah And Other Marvels of the Modern Age’ On the next stall was freelance writer Jonathan Green. Described as 'a Geek's Geek' he is well known for his contributions to the Fighting Fantasy range of adventure game books he has also written for such titles as Sonic the Hedgehog, Doctor Who, Star Wars and Games Workshop's worlds of Warhammer. Jonathan was promoting his current series of novels set within the alternative steampunk universe of Pax Britannia along with other titles such as 'Match Wits with the Kids' and 'What is Myrrh Anyway? Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Christmas'.I quickly added the ‘Womblus Wimbledon Vulgaris’ to the Great Exhibition and returned behind the table just as the doors opened to let the public in to the main hall for the opening ceremony. Each attendee dressed in their finest, each one with a fascinating back-story to tell. Once the opening ceremony was over, many came over to meet Wilf’ shake his hand and thank him for his contribution to their childhood memories and inspiring them to be creative… Wilf’ on the other hand just wanted to compliment them on their costumes and props and find out how they created them! A lovely moment occurred when a young girl came up to Wilf’ and asked ‘who have you come as?' Wilf’ pointed to his book cover photo and said “I’ve come as him” to which the girl responded ‘You look like him!’ As the day progressed I was fortunately able to catch up with many familiar friendly faces from past events and discuss ideas, costumes and methods (not to mention hand out a few of my new badges and stickers!)

Womblus Wimbledon Vulgaris ‘meets’ the good people of Lincoln

In the afternoon it was time for Wilf’ to give a presentation in the little theatre located upstairs. He presented several slides featuring his time in television and various contraptions and creations over the years. There wasn’t a single slide that didn’t have an interesting story behind it. Moving on to his contraptions he demonstrated the Overkill Bird Cannon and Lure. Once firmly placed on Wilf’s head he clapped his hands activating the mechanical bird inside the cage that sang ‘Ode to Joy’ it lured a passing bird in Wilf’s sight he tugged the cord and fired a cannon ball! This marvellous hat was followed by countless other items that he produced from his cases including the skinless balloon (a green one) a cow pat Frisbee also known as WMD. (Weapon of Mass Disgust) and The Sneaky Baby Feeder (As seen in Wilf’s book Cheap Cheerful and sometimes grotty gifts to make) A device that rings a bell at the back of the baby’s head causing the child to look up and automatically open its mouth allowing the parent ample opportunity to squirt the food. (Wilf’ demonstrated this and despite his best efforts he missed me!) I loved the Second Class Battenberg medal, coloured and shaped like a slice of Battenberg cake Wilf’ presented this honour to Prince Charles for eating all his dinner when he was a child. Undeterred by the lack of response he then presented his Royal Highness with the Wilf' Lunn First class Battenberg medal with custard clusters for not spilling to which he received a thank you letter from Buckingham Palace!
Wilf’ even set out to aid the farming community reacting to concerns of crop circle like bald patches appearing on sheep (the result of moths unable to find woollen clothing to eat). He demonstrated the Moth Destroyer a fake sheep with nitro soaked wool that exploded when moths landed to feast! Followed by his finale, the infamous fox deterring Hen Grenade.
After answering questions from the audience Wilf’ took a bow to a delighted audience who responded in raucous cheer and applause.

After a well-earned cuppa Wilf’ was invited to be a guest judge for costume competition no easy task as the standard seems to increase with each passing year! The winner was selected and announced a spectacular set of mechanical wings, powered by a housefly encased in the backpack.
Then it was outside for an attempt at making it into the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of Steampunks in one location. Rules were strict, each person had to have something on their head and also some form of gadget on their person. Although a pocket watch was acceptable I took the pocket sized killer bee locator with me as well as one of Wilf’s spare boaters. managed to have a natter with a few other people as the photos were taken and one final group shot later the busy, hectic day ended.Along the way we had managed to over look one minor detail and that was that nobody had actually eaten anything! So it was off for well-deserved gluten-free meal at the Wig & Mitre where we discussed the days happenings, exchanged ideas and shared stories oh and we had pudding too!
In fact we had a lovely weekend, our heart felt thanks to everyone that made us feel welcome.

Many thanks to Andy Dingley for the additional photos
© Arfon Jones 2011. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Womblus Wimbledon Vulgaris

2011-09-16T06:52:00.000-07:00

My latest creation, ‘Womblus Wimbledon Vulgaris’ better known as the Common Wimbledon Womble. I have always been a fan of the Wombles and wanted to create something that reflected my devotion…. So I decided to have one stuffed and mounted.
Nobody did taxidermy like the Victorians so I thought it best that this be a Victorian Womble wearing a waistcoat (with watch) and top hat. The Womble stands in a glass case in an imitation Wimbledon Common habitat scene surrounded by plants and butterflies along with some litter that he has gathered.

On the back there is a description label that reads, The Womble(Womblus Wimbledon Vulgaris )Dweller of both underground and overground, the Womble is particularly common around the Wimbledon area. Known for its resourcefulness in making good use of the things that everyday folk leave behind. Professor Michael Batt observed, “The Womble is organised and works as a team. It keeps its surrounding habitat tidy and clean.”An incredibly utterly devious species it makes the most of everything (even bottles and tins!) Donated to the Wimbledon Common conservation collection in 1871by Mrs. Elisabeth Beresford MBE.

The litter that the womble has gathered comprises of a button,
a piece of string and an empty bottle of Cribbins Cough Syrup

Many thanks to Iris Hung for providing his smart attire.
© Arfon Jones 2011. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Paul'll Fix It

2011-09-07T05:39:00.000-07:00

Its very busy here at the moment I have several projects on the go with a ‘to do’ list that is double the size! Thanks to my good friend Paul McCaul at FixMyPhoto I was able to cross one item off my list last night and that was to re-vamp of the blog! Paul provided me with the new banner you see atop of the new look page that incorporates my new logo! I was so impressed with his work I decided to devote a thread to him and his work urging you to check out his site!

We all have a photograph that has slight imperfections well FixMyPhoto.co.uk can do just that! Fix your photo! Whatever the condition of your photograph, negative or slide, he will improve it for you removing rips, creases, stains and scratches. Special effects can also be applied for that “arty style print” Breathing new life to your profile picture for the web or print, (not to mention remove those harsh spots or ageing lines!) He can print your photo to Canvas with free conversion to B&W colour tinting and resizing. He can even have your photos made into rolls of wallpaper for your interior design ideas! With most of us are on computers these days so its not often I am able to describe someone as a “Computer Whiz” but I can with Paul who does some amazing things with photographs in an friendly and efficient way!

So with Christmas just around the corner why not check out his site or even his Facebook page and see what services he offers? Or better still look out for him at the Altrincham Market every Saturday and let Paul Fix your photos! Tell him Arfon sent you!

The New Logo

2011-09-07T05:29:00.000-07:00

I thought it was about time I unveiled my new logo to you! It’s a revamp of a logo I supported in college when I studied graphic design back in the late 1990’s that incorporates the “brain storming” process involved in what I do! Hope you like it, as you will be seeing a lot more of it in the future!

© Arfon Jones 2011. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Comic/Graphic Novel Sale!

2011-08-23T13:11:00.000-07:00

Exciting days ahead my friends! Lots of projects in the works, many wheels both big and small are turning! However, As is often the case this requires funding and so this is where you come in! Follow the link and you will find some items from my collection of comics and graphic novels that I collected over the 1990’s bought by me as a “future investment” being 20 years later, the future is here! I thought I would post them on my Facebook page before making them available on ebay. If you are interested in any of them send me a DM I will try and arrange a reasonable price for bulk orders. Postage will be calculated based on the amount you purchase and of course location.Once the deal is done I will remove the item’s picture from the gallery. Oh, and as a thank you I'll add a few extra comics in for all bulk orders!I have treasured these books over the years some of them have read once and then kept in bags and stored safely so rest assured you are getting well cared for books here! This is an open gallery so even if you yourself are not interesting in comics and graphic novels feel free to share this gallery with your Facebook friends that are. I will leave this offer open until the 15th of September any questions just ask.

© Arfon Jones 2011. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

TIME GENTLEMEN 1963 –

2011-08-16T14:39:00.000-07:00

I think its about time I write about anther ongoing project of mine one that I have been working on since 2003 which reflects my passion for the television series Doctor Who…

April 2003: I attended a Doctor Who event, where I met the 6th Doctor Colin Baker. I obtained his autograph and decided I would attend other ‘Who’ related events in future. It then occurred to me that if I were to obtain the signatures of all the Doctors and companions I would require a great deal of space to display them. With Doctor Who’s 40th anniversary in November I set about creating a piece that would both commemorate this occasion and address the show’s history, depicting the Doctor’s incarnations. This would be what they signed in future, vowing to obtain the signatures of all the companions and Doctors by the Doctor’s 50th Anniversary in 2013!

September 2003: The week I finished the painting the BBC announced that Doctor Who was returning! I was pleased, however I found myself with a portrait that was already dated as the Doctor has 13 lives and I had only painted 8 there were several regenerations to go… So, I updated the painting, adding an extra section to accommodate for the future incarnations... With room to spare!

November 2003: The portrait was completed in time for the celebration with Tom Baker and Paul McGann 4th and 8th Doctor’s being the first to sign the portrait.

October 2005: The series had returned and was a smash hit. My alterations proved a wise move as I had 2 more incarnations to add, as the Doctor had regenerated into his tenth guise. David Tennant signed the piece 2-months before his Debut story ‘The Christmas Invasion’. Bringing the number Doctors that had signed to 5

March 2007: Peter Davison the 5th Doctor had proven to be a difficult signature to acquire, however I was able to add it to the piece tallying the number to 6 Doctors. A fellow fan pointed out that I didn’t have the signatures of the first 3 Doctors, stating “I would need to be able to raise the dead” to do so. Fearing that this oversight would detract from the other names, I decided to acquire their signatures through collectors.

September 2007: Obtained the signatures of the late Patrick Troughton and Jon Pertwee and altered the painting to accommodate them. Number of Doctors 8. My style had improved since first painting the portrait back in 2003 so I reworked the piece slightly.

August 2011: The 11th Doctor was announced in 2009 with his debut story in 2010 it would be another year before I was able to add his likeness to the portrait! Sadly in February of that year Nicholas Courtney who played the Brigadier a long running character in the programme died, Nick had signed the painting back in 2004 but I removed his signature to allow for Jon Pertwee’s in the hope of acquiring his signature again at a later date… I had a spare signature I had acquired prior to the alteration of the painting and so I added that that same week Bonnie Longford signed the painting tallying the number of companion signatures to 24.

© Arfon Jones 2011. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Zombies from Ireland

2011-07-24T12:46:00.000-07:00

On Sunday the 17th I awoke at 2am an odd thing to do, as this would normally be the time I finished painting and went to bed…. So why was I getting up at this hour? Simple, Ryan Kift needed zombies!
Musician/ Director Ryan Kift, and Co-Writer/Star Sian Davies are producing a local based independent movie entitled Zombies from Ireland shot mostly on the Isle of Anglesey, the story tells of the government’s misguided attempts to test swine-flu vaccinations on convicted criminals with dire consequences! The call was issued on the film’s facebook page for zombies to lurch over the Menai Bridge for the film’s dramatic climax all that was required was that you show up at 3am in your own zombie regalia! I could not refuse such a tempting offer and so I started to think of ideas for ‘my’ zombie!. I like a zombie to have a back-story, a little clue as to what this person was doing on the unluckiest day of his/ her life and so I decided ‘Hazmat Zombie’. I imagined that an attempt would have been made to contain this problem and someone would have been sent to the bridge to report on the situation and prevent possible contamination amidst the confusion he meets one of the contaminated and voilà one Hazmat Zombie!
The getup was made from a DIY coverall drizzled in red paint combining a modified joke shop mask and a pair of green wellies (for a more agricultural department look) with the getup in the car I made my way to Menai Bridge to meet my fellow zombies.

Arrived at 3am it was wonderful to see so many had showed up despite the weather everybody was in high spirits and uniquely made up chatting about inspirations and methods complimenting one and other as photographers wandered around taking photos. The actors arrived to be made up by makeup artist Anwen Peters as zombies continued to arrive on foot, by car and bikes! Ryan Kift greeted everyone and informed them that fake blood was available should they require more gore. The weather improved as dawn started to break the sound of Gulls and Oystercatchers could be heard as we made our way to the bridge. Our instructions were to make our way over the bridge in one take, action was called and we did just that. It was amazing! Lurching along with 100 zombies their scraping feet and moaning echoing across it really set the mood. It all went well apart from one incident involving a rather eager, uninvited freelance photographer who almost ruined the whole take! Thankfully precautions had been taken for such measures. One more retake from midway and it was a wrap and everyone broke character and cheered! Wonderful, a great time was had by all. Like-minded creative people had the opportunity to meet up and fulfil a wish to walk across Menai Bridge as a zombie (so glad that I wasn’t the one that wanted to do that!)

Check out the film’s facebook page for more information about the film

© Arfon Jones 2011. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Ladies of Steampunk

2011-07-11T11:28:00.000-07:00

The demand for shrunken dinosaurs has been high! Not long after making an appearance at this year’s Waltz of the Wye’s contraption exhibition the shrunken T-Rex is now appearing in the forthcoming Ladies of Steampunk calendar !

Produced by Sean McCaffrey and Sean W Makiney of Monkey House Media in Sacramento the Ladies of Steampunk calendar’s promises beautiful Steampunk women who are fans of the genre with a Suicide Girls atheistic. This is Monkey House Media first venture into boudoir style photography and as you can clearly see from December’s ‘Time Traveller’ standards are high. But it doesn’t end there they also plan to have a coffee table book as well as posters all products can be bought at their web site.
Tell them Arfon sent you!

© Arfon Jones 2011. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Kim Newman’s Video Dungeon

2011-07-08T08:37:00.000-07:00

Readers of Empire Magazine will find my artwork in this months edition in Kim Newman’s regular column ‘Kim Newman’s Video Dungeon’. The brief was to design a B-movie poster/ Video cover featuring Kim. The magazine provided a set of photographs depicting him in different poses brandishing various weapons. I wanted this piece to be reminiscent of the posters and video rental covers I remember fondly from the 1980’s and early 1990’s. I placed this supposed movie in 1980 one genre of movie that was popular at this time that I am also rather found of were the ones dealing with man interfering with nature then waging war with the by-product. Taking all these factors into consideration there was but one obvious contender ‘Humanoids from the Deep’ and so I created this spoof as a nod to one of my favourite movies containing some of my favourite elements.

© Arfon Jones 2011. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Frank's Army

2011-07-05T15:44:00.001-07:00

On Saturday I attended the Altrincham Festival ‘the biggest free show in Trafford’ being a fan of Frank Sidebottom I had often heard of this event. Chris Sievey/ Frank Sidebottom was a regular supporter of the festival and before his untimely death last year it had been his intention to organise a ‘Frank’s Army’ that was to consist of fans wearing their own versions of his famous paper mache head marching through the streets of Altrincham. To pay respects to the great man and raise awareness of the campaign to have a statue of Frank erected in Timperley friend and fan Paul McCaul organised the first Frank’s Army March. All that was required was that fans attended on the day with a Frank head or mask. So on Saturday 2nd of July we all convened St Margaret's road in Altrincham ready for the Altrincham Festival Grand Parade Frank’s Army March!

After an early start and a 115-mile drive I arrived in Altrincham complete with Frank head and trademark showbiz pink tie where I met other fans many of which I had only previously ‘met’ online each one supporting an impressive Frank masks and heads! After a quick get to know you the parade started and we embarked on the streets of ‘Alty’! Leading the front was organiser Paul wearing his military regalia brandishing his Little Frank baton followed by a beautiful camper van with Frank’s puppet pals peering out the windows. Attached to the top of the van were speakers that played the familiar tune of “guess who’s been on match of the day” which was to be our marching theme. Just behind was Chris Sievey’s son Harry with a megaphone who provided the vocals to interact with the crowd.

As you can well imagine, vision isn’t terribly good when wearing a Frank Sidebottom head, you can only see through a small hole in the centre of the pupil in fact I could only see clearly through the left eye but what I saw was marvellous! Streams of people smiling and cheering as we walked by! Frank’s soldiers with collection buckets accompanied us on each side as the crowds clapped and cheered us! This experience was all new to me but I was compelled to be ‘in character’ when I saw the response of the crowd (I say ‘in character’ I waved and gave the thumbs up!) I couldn’t help but smile inside my mask as the response of the people of Altrincham was so endearing and then we marched into Timperley, the home of Frank Sidebottom where the atmosphere was astounding! Its residents cheered with delight as they acknowledged their lost son as we walked by all the familiar landmarks of Timperley. Last time I had been to Timperley was on Frank’s tour where he had advised us of when it was safe to cross the road and now we were marching through the middle of it! I was having a wonderful time and I was rather disappointed when our 3-mile march ended at the festival grounds!

The festival itself was huge! Hundreds of people weaving through rides, amusements and stalls! But there was one stall in particular I wanted to find and that was the Frank Sidebottom Statue Fund stall!Frank was without a doubt an ambassador for Timperley, So a dedicated team of fans, family and friends formed a committee to fund raise monies to get a statue of Frank Sidebottom erected in his beloved village. The stall had several bits of official merchandising ranging from t-shirts to fridge magnets with all proceeds going to the statue cause. I bought The Big Shorts ‘Let's Get A Statue For Frank’ CD and a fantastic Frank Sidebottom art kit. Having explored Altrincham’s amazing festival and chatted with my fellow contributors it was time to say goodbye to Altrincham and make my way back home. I had an amazing time and I doff my paper mache head to the organisers. If you weren’t able to make it, be sure to visit the statue fund site! Every donation gets Timperley ever closer to achieving its statue.

*UPDATE* Franks Army won the best new entry award!
© Arfon Jones 2011. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Timeless Wonder

2011-07-05T15:14:00.000-07:00

I’ been very lucky this year, I have had countless fun commissions come in! Each one a joy to work on but just occasionally a commission comes along that just makes you giddy with excitement, more so if you’re a geek like me. The last commission contained these words “Tardis” “Lynda Carter” and “Wonder Woman”!

Mr. Dale Who commissioned this piece (his 3rd this year so I must be doing something right!) and so I set about creating ‘Timeless Wonder’ a “what if?” tv listings cover, What if Doctor Who had crossed over to the Wonder Woman series. I have included some photos that show you my process in 4 steps in the vain hope that it will be of interest! To see the final piece and see what Dale’s response to the piece was please visit his web site.

© Arfon Jones 2011. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Operation Bath Duck: Update 12

2011-06-27T15:33:00.000-07:00

Scout Duck: 009 Rhyl, North Wales 009 has made himself (herself?) at home with artist and fashion/ textiles designer Iris Hung.
Armed with an MA in fine art a BA in fashion and textile designs and a PGCE teaching she completing her 5year teaching experience qualification, moving on to specialise in fabric design. She became heavily involved in knitting, embroidery, screen printing and making costumes rather like the snazzy Welsh lady costume that 009 is wearing in the photo! Apart from working on charity fund raising fashion shows she has had her knitted fabric designs sold to Fendi, one of leading fashion designers at the Paris Indigo show. She has also created costume interpretations at Plas Newydd her interpretations include the 1st marquis, 5th marquis and Rex Whistler based on the museum’s photos and paintings.
I’m most grateful to Iris for her time and efforts in proving a good home for 009!
To see more of Iris’s fantastic work please visit her web site

For a detailed account of the project please read the previous post 'Operation Bath Duck'
For previous updates:
Operation Bath Duck: Update 1
Operation Bath Duck: Update 2
Operation Bath Duck: Update 3
Operation Bath Duck: Update 4
Operation Bath Duck: Update 5
Operation Bath Duck: Update 6
Operation Bath Duck: Update 7
Operation Bath Duck: Update 8
Operation Bath Duck: Update 9
Operation Bath Duck: Update 10
Operation Bath Duck: Update 11
© Arfon Jones 2011. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Operation Bath Duck: Update 11

2011-06-07T03:18:00.000-07:00

Scout Duck: 020 Penmaenmawr, North Wales
I was absolutely thrilled when Scout Duck: 020 reported back in 2009 with this adorable photo! Pictured with 020 is baby Jac Hedd Watson-Jones the first Operation Bath Duck baby!

The photo that was provided by Jac’s mother Sandy Williams who went into hospital on the morning of 19th October to be induced 36 hours later Jac was born by emergency c section weighing in at 9lbs and 3 oz! The hospital discovered that both Jac and Sandy had Group B Streptococcus (GBS) the most common cause of life-threatening infections in new-born babies in the UK. Thankfully the Doctors had discovered this early enough saving Jac from any long lasting effects, five days in hospital later (with Scout Duck: 020 in attendance) he was fine.

Jac was lucky as GBS infections affect around 700 babies each year in the UK, of whom sadly 75 die and another 40 suffer long-term problems as a result. And yet most of these infections could be prevented The Group B Strep Support (GBSS) is currently campaigning to have the NHS make tests on all expectant mothers compulsory. Please visit their site and help raise awareness.

I checked with his mother today and she told me that Jac is doing really well he is running around the place always keeping busy. He has recently started talking “oh got” and “tickle” being he’s most used words. I wish Jac and Sandy all the very best and thank them for taking part in the project.

For a detailed account of the project please read the previous post 'Operation Bath Duck'
For previous updates:
Operation Bath Duck: Update 1
Operation Bath Duck: Update 2
Operation Bath Duck: Update 3
Operation Bath Duck: Update 4
Operation Bath Duck: Update 5
Operation Bath Duck: Update 6
Operation Bath Duck: Update 7
Operation Bath Duck: Update 8
Operation Bath Duck: Update 9
Operation Bath Duck: Update 10
© Arfon Jones 2011. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Struggle of a 6ft Tall Ape Descendant

2011-05-24T16:15:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow is Towel Day! Celebrated every 25th of May the day pays tribute to the late author Douglas Adams. Fans around the universe carry a towel with them in reference to ‘The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy’. It will be 10 years since Douglas Adam’s untimely death to commemorate this and celebrate the 30th anniversary of the BBC television series I have created, ‘Struggle of a 6ft Tall Ape Descendant’

Painted in acrylic on card we see Arthur Dent (played by Simon Jones)’s reaction to the Heart of Gold’s tea as Douglas Adams watches over him. I started the painting in 2009 that same year Simon Jones signed the piece at Hitchcon 09. It has been incorporated with Douglas Adams’s signature.

The piece was selected to feature in The Jaggeroth: Online Sci-Fi Art Exhibition a permanent exhibition dedicated to Sci-Fi art launched in conjunction with Hitchhiker’s Week.

© Arfon Jones 2011. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Waltz on the Wye

2011-05-24T13:14:00.000-07:00

This month I had the privilege of being invited to Waltz on the Wye, Wales’ first Steampunk/ Neo Victorian Weekender/Festival. Based in the beautiful medieval town of Chepstow, located on the River Wye on the England/Wales border. It promised an opportunity to gather as a community, dress up to the nines and have great fun! I had never been to Chepstow so I was really looking forward to this. On the Friday night everyone gathered on the Riverside Gardens alongside the Wye where live music was provided on the Victorian themed bandstand cutesy of Ellethia and band Pocketwatch.
Conveniently placed next to the bandstand were the Strumpets with Crumpets who were on hand to provide delicious crumpets and hot tea. Once we had wiped the jam from our chins we made our way to the Drill Hall for a magic lantern show courtesy of The Travelling Light Magic Lantern Company! We all watched in wonder, as the itinerant projectionists shared his collection of authentic Victorian/Edwardian slides many of which were hand painted and capable of movement each one accompanied by live music and performance it was a truly amazing show.

Saturday, having donned my new lab coat we made our way Chepstow castle as my collection of shrunken, frozen dinosaurs were required once more for the event’s contraption exhibition. With the ‘Cellular Condenser Ray’, ‘The Glaciation Ray’ and ‘The Patented Cryo-preservation Curiosity Cabinet’ on display I was able to explore the amazing of array of contraptions on display. The first exhibit was the brilliant Jarkman’s ‘The Eyes! The Eyes!’ a single mechanical eye contained within a box that followed anyone its eye line delighting the crowds stopping only for the occasionally blink! Then there was Roseanne Wakely’s gorgeous, fully working street organ, with a beautiful peacock adorned the front. When Roseanne gave a demonstration of the organ it drew hordes of people into the room to investigate further, along with the organ Roseanne’s steampunk kaleidoscope was on display as was her 1:25 Scale model of a submarine. Illuminating the contraptions was organiser Andy Dingley’s Pufferfish lamp which both horrified and entertained visitors. It was nice to see the nixie clock and rocket pack again. Andy’s perpetual mobile stopped many in their tracks eager to unlock the secrets of its perpetual spinning!James Richardson-Brown’s contraptions graced the windowsill, sitting proudly amongst his fine works was K-1909 a steampunk variant on the Doctor’s faithful robotic companion that appealed to visitors old and new.Last but not least was Matt McCall’s beautiful display of contraptions and inventions, the corner they occupied was often frequented by steampunks eager to acquire his beautifully made devices! There was an amazing atmosphere in the contraption room as steampunks and the general public (visiting the castle with no knowledge of what steampunk was) weaving their way around the room. I was pleased to see them take an interest and discussing the pieces checking to see if the ice was real, at times a gust of wind would cause the fog to rise from the cabinet, which added an extra thrill to people observing it at the time.The contraption contest was a public vote, visitors were encouraged to vote for their favourite device the winner was James Richardson-Brown’s K-1909. The dinosaurs came second with Roseanne Wakely’s organ coming third. After the contest was over I was given one of the voting slips by the organisers which I was absolutely delighted with. It was a delightful exhibition I was honoured to be amongst such creative people some of whom I was able to catch up with at the Waltz on the Wye Cabaret and Ball that evening.

‘The Cellular Condenser Ray’

‘The Glaciation Ray’

‘The Patented Cryo-preservation Curiosity Cabinet’

Compere Miss Lily Belle introduced the crowd to a the musical talents of Jarmean?, The Great Dandini, Matt Pang and Pink Kitten Dance School Can Can Troupe with burlesque performance by Velveteen Hussy and Lily Belle herself rounded off by Rogora Khart played out the evening. It is no wonder that the following day we decided to take it easy! After an early lunch we explored the castle and the town’s museum followed by a walk along the Wye it was impossible to not admire something along the way! After another visit to Strumpets with Crumpets and once again wiping the jam from our chins we made our way to the Drill Hall to look around the Mechanised Market! It was impossible to not admire the fine craftsmanship on offer, every stall lovingly decorated with attention to detail. After a sampling some of the products available on Prof. T Bottom’s stall and finally settling on a bottle of Wenches Mead the raffle was announced… imagine my joy on winning a crossbow and a of carpet bowls! We had a fantastic time in Chepstow, we met a great many interesting and creative people and saw wondrous things and we thank the organisers Rachel and Andy for a fantastic weekend, see you all next year perhaps?

Incidentally, Crinoline Robot has a far better written review with much nicer photos taken by Peter Gettins here
© Arfon Jones 2011. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Operation Bath Duck: Update 10

2011-05-16T03:10:00.000-07:00

Scout Duck: 017 Nottingham, England. Scout Duck 017 has surfaced in Nottingham were he now resides with burlesque star Betty Jane. Thanks for the photos Betty!

So, Update 10, were are we up to now? To date the following ducks have reported back safely...
Scout Duck 003: Kentucky, USA
Scout Duck 004: Morfa Nefyn, North Wales
Scout Duck 006: Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, England
Scout Duck 007: Aberystwyth, West Wales
Scout Duck 008: West Bay Shore, New York –USA
Scout Duck 011: Brighton East Sussex, England
Scout Duck:017: Nottingham, England
Scout Duck 019: Codfish Island – New Zealand
Scout Duck 026 : Clevedon Bristol, England
Scout Duck 030: Hamamatsu, Shizuoka- Japan
10 down 90 to go!
For a detailed account of the project please read the previous post 'Operation Bath Duck'
© Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Operation Bath Duck: Update 9

2011-05-08T11:38:00.000-07:00

Scout Duck: 008 West Bay Shore, New York –USA.
Scout Duck 008 was one of the first ducks to report back, I received this single photo of the well-travelled duck perched on a sign informing me of his arrival at Sagtikos Manor at West Bay Shore in Suffolk County, New York. Seemed all was well he was now in the company of Gracie Jiu Jitsu practitioner, Bikram Yoga instructor and native Long Islander/ Nyer Mr Brian Ugor.
He still sends the occasional photo informing me of his exploits! My sincere thanks to Brian for taking part in this venture.

For a detailed account of the project please read the previous post 'Operation Bath Duck'
For previous updates:
Operation Bath Duck: Update 1
Operation Bath Duck: Update 2
Operation Bath Duck: Update 3
Operation Bath Duck: Update 4
Operation Bath Duck: Update 5
Operation Bath Duck: Update 6
Operation Bath Duck: Update 7
Operation Bath Duck: Update 8
© Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Operation Bath Duck: Update 8

2011-05-07T12:26:00.000-07:00

Scout Duck: 019 Codfish Island – New Zealand To date the scout duck that has travelled the furthest has to be 019 who reported back the other day from the Codfish Island Kakapo Program in New Zealand!

The Kakapo also known as the owl parrot, is a large, flightless nocturnal parrot or as Douglas Adams once described “'the world's largest, fattest and least-able-to-fly parrot”. Native only to New Zealand and listed as a critically endangered species (at the time of writing this there are only 131 known to be in existence) it truly is a remarkable bird. Its not only the heaviest parrot in the world it’s also believed to have a life expectancy of 90 years! When the continents shifted and New Zealand broke off, their habitat had no mammalian predators, this resulted in the Kakapo loosing its ability to fly. When humans arrived on the islands centuries later they took advantage of this bird’s inability to escape, harvesting the birds. They also introduced predators such as cats, rats and stoats to the island worsening the situation for the ground nesting Kakapo who was almost wiped out. Despite conservation efforts made in the ninetieth century, numbers continued to dwindle, then in 1989 the Kakapo Recovery Plan was implemented. All surviving Kakapo were transferredhttp to two predator-free islands, Codfish and Anchor where the bird’s breeding is closely monitored by a group of scientists, rangers and volunteers, tirelessly safeguarding the remaining 131 Kakapo in the world.

I commend their efforts in preserving this magnificent species, wishing them every success in their conservation work and thank them for taking part in this venture by homing, scout duck 019.

To find out more about the Kakapo and the conservation work please visit their site
Or make a donation towards Kakapo recovery programme

For a detailed account of the project please read the previous post 'Operation Bath Duck'
For previous updates:
Operation Bath Duck: Update 1
Operation Bath Duck: Update 2
Operation Bath Duck: Update 3
Operation Bath Duck: Update 4
Operation Bath Duck: Update 5
Operation Bath Duck: Update 6
Operation Bath Duck: Update 7
© Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Operation Bath Duck: Update 7

2011-05-07T12:17:00.000-07:00

Scout Duck 026: Clevedon Bristol, England.Scout Duck 026 has reported back! He’s taken up residence with multimedia artist Heather Tweed! Heather has exhibited widely across the country (with pieces in New York, Tokyo and The National Library of Congress, Washington) and been involved in a variety of projects over the years including teaching, workshops, and artist led exhibitions as well as exhibiting in traditional art galleries and alternative spaces.

She has worked with organisations including The British Council Cairo, Bristol City Council and Arts & Business. Her first Degree is in Fine Art Ceramics and further education includes a PGCE in Fine Art and Design and a PGC in Digital Entrepreneurship. The ever-expanding Installation Anubis Other World Tour has been visiting art galleries, caves and other interesting venues scaring, delighting and perplexing in equal measure since 1997. To find out more about her fantastic work check out the web site!
Many thanks to Heather for taking part in the project.

For a detailed account of the project please read the previous post 'Operation Bath Duck'
For previous updates:
Operation Bath Duck: Update 1
Operation Bath Duck: Update 2
Operation Bath Duck: Update 3
Operation Bath Duck: Update 4
Operation Bath Duck: Update 5
Operation Bath Duck: Update 6
© Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Chernobyl

2011-04-20T09:29:00.000-07:00

Being only 7 at the time I wasn’t able to comprehend the full extend of the Chernobyl disaster in 1986. My memory of the event is hazy but I certainly remember hearing the word ‘Chernobyl’ and ‘radioactive’ for the first time. Amongst the reports on the television, concerns were raised that the radioactive plumes from the plant had blown across Europe and reached the United Kingdom making rain that would often fall on us in North Wales hazardous. My memory then fades, I recall further reports about Chernobyl in the news and I remember being taught what a power plant was and discovering that we had one 30 miles from us. Fast forward three or four years later something strange happened, the word ‘radioactive’ a word I had previously associated with danger seemed to be not so bad. Despite being frowned upon by the likes of ‘Captain Planet and the Planeteers’ radiation was capable of a wondrous thing, aside from providing us with electricity… radiation could also mutate things! Radioactive waste, distinguishable by its day glow qualities could both mutate a turtle into an anthropomorphic ninja and cause insects to increase in size! The line between grainy Public Information films and television shows like ‘Toxic Crusaders’ had become blurred. The reality of radiation and its devastating effects on people and the surrounding environment distorted.

The atomic movies of the 1950’s have always been a source of fascination to me I love them. Whether it’s a dinosaur buried for millions of years or a colony of ants just add ‘atomic’ to the plot and you have my undivided attention. The same can be said about my reading habits Gamma explosions, radioactive spiders and the righting of society’s wrongs adorn my shelves and bedside table. These tales share a common theme a moral about man’s dangerous pursuit for knowledge and venturing into God’s domain when dealing with atomic energy and then a ‘happy’ ending. In realty however this is not the case, far from it when dealing with radioactivity.
Something that the people of Chernobyl discovered at great cost, A mistake made in 1986 is still a very real problem in 2011. The recent events at the Fukushima power plant brought attention to Chernobyl yet many still do not know the depth of the Chernobyl disaster and charities and charitable organisations that make a difference to the lives of those suffering the ongoing effects.

Next week will be the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster and the Voices from Chornobyl site invited artists inspired by Chernobyl to share their art in a bid to help spread awareness of the 25th anniversary of the disaster.

I was inspired to paint, ‘The Cooling Pond’

The dominant feature of this painting is the catfish, which draws the eye. However, on further observation we can see that this natural setting is in fact in the shadow of the Chernobyl power plant, altering the perspective of the piece. The piece can be viewed at Kaldi Coffee in Atwater Village, Los Angeles.

For further information or to make a donation please visit the following sites

CHERNOBYL CHILDREN'S PROJECT (UK)

VOICES FROM CHORNOBYL

Images courtesy of VOICES FROM CHORNOBYL site and Cindy Marie Jenkins ‘The Cooling Pond’ and content © Arfon Jones 2011. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Stuart Ashen’s Poundland Peril

2011-02-15T06:32:00.001-08:00

I am not a huge fan of Youtube videos that feature people reviewing things. I find that most videos either feature someone wittering on about something in their collection (I detest any video that start with “Hey everyone, wassup?”) or someone filled with self-importance speaking directly to camera angrily telling us what they hate. However, these videos make the talented few shine all the brighter, case in point the videos of comedian and technology reviewer Dr.Stuart Ashen. Ashen delivers videos that are both interesting and funny were he reviews electronic knockoffs, bad games and items bought from Poundland and they are very good!
I have been subscribing his channel for a few years now and back in October Ashen set the Not-100-Videos competition. Inviting viewers to submit artwork that incorporated what his videos were about and what they meant to us. Once correlated the pieces would feature in a future video where a winner would be announced. So I thought I would have a go, assuming that you are interested in how I work, I shall talk you through the creative process...

After some thought I decided to create a cover for a fake Spectrum game called ‘Stuart Ashen’s Poundland Peril’ depicting Ashen weaving his way through a Poundland shop dodging enemies and elements from his videos. Once I had finished the drawing I photocopied it to thin a3 card.

Using acrylic paint I apply the background colours and re-apply outlines and detail that was lost.

4 hours later with the main colours applied I add shadows, define outlines and add further detail and colour as I go.

7 hours later the painting was complete ready to be photocopied.

To maintain a Tony Hart, ’Hart Beat’ feel I stuck the print to pastel blue card,wrote my name and age on the back and posted my entry.

As promised Ashen produced a video announcing the winners of the competition. So impressed with the standard of the entries received he decided to feature each one in a series of 3 videos.
At the end of 2 of 3 I was delighted to discover that ‘Stuart Ashen’s Pondland Peril’ had won the fine art category! As you can see from the video standards were very high.

And here we have my prizes! The fake PSP that plays old Nintendo games, Ashenthology 1 dvd “And Bully's Special Prize!” a Lego Samurai figure! My thanks to everyone who left comments on the page and of course to Stuart Ashen for arranging the competition and selecting my painting!
“Potato!”

© Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Operation Bath Duck: Update 6

2011-01-11T16:14:00.000-08:00

Scout Duck:030 Hamamatsu, Shizuoka- Japan. Back in March 2010 it would seem that scout duck 30 made his way to Japan in the suitcase of one Gwyneth Jones as she embarked on the opportunity of a lifetime; teaching English while living in Japan. Nervous about taking such a huge step on her own, she took scout duck 30 with her for company and moral support.

Together, they have travelled from the bright lights of downtown Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto. He has encountered sushi trains, geisha, crazy characters and even ridden the bullet train. Pictured, you can see him enjoying the cherry blossoms outside Hamamatsu Castle back in April 2010. He continues to travel Japan alongside Gwyneth, who holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Manchester. You can follow her adventures here
My sincerest thanks to Gwyneth for taking good care of scout duck 030 and taking part in the project!

For a detailed account of the project please read the previous post 'Operation Bath Duck'
For previous updates:
Operation Bath Duck: Update 1
Operation Bath Duck: Update 2
Operation Bath Duck: Update 3
Operation Bath Duck: Update 4
Operation Bath Duck: Update 5
© Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Science Spotlight: Conclusion

2010-12-28T13:27:00.000-08:00

Back in January I set myself a project entitled ‘Science Spotlight’ each month I depicted someone of scientific interest to me, from boffins to inventors some had achieved great success others less so. Presented in a simplistic style, reminiscent of traditional children’s education books and comics they also provided a brief biography, which I hoped would encourage readers to research further and learn more about their work and interesting lives. I have received positive feedback from the many visitors to this blog (in some cases from the subjects themselves!) and thank everyone dearly for taking the time to do so. As the project draws to a close I thought I would include all 12 on this thread for easy access. All comments are welcomed, please feel free to share your thoughts
Happy New Year
Arfon Jones 2010

1/12 Professor Heinz Wolff

2/12 Sir Patrick Moore

3/12 Wilf Lunn

4/12 Dr. Magnus Pyke

5/12 Maurice Grosse

6/12 Harry Matthews

7/12 Sir Richard Owen

8/12 George Bennie

9/12 Sir Bernard Lovell

10/12 Harry Price

11/12 Sir Clive Sinclair

12/12 Lord William Penney

© Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

'Science Spotlight’ 12/12 Lord William George Penney

2010-12-17T10:23:00.000-08:00

The Rt Hon. Lord William George Penney, OM, KBE, MA, PHD, DSC, HONFCGI, FIC, FRS
(1909-1991) A talent for mathematics gained Penney a scholarship to the Imperial College, London were He was awarded the Governor's Prize for Mathematics graduating with First Class Honours in 1929. After two years at the University of Wisconsin he returned to England and obtained a doctorate from the University of Cambridge in 1935, returning to the Imperial College in 1936 as Assistant Professor of Mathematics. Being A specialist in the physics of hydrodynamic waves, he was enlisted by the Home Office and the Admiralty during World War II to assist in the design of the mulberry harbours used during the Normandy landings. As part of the British delegation he then worked at Los Alamos on the Manhattan Project, observing the Trinity test detonation in 1945, the explosion on Nagasaki and assessing the damage after Japan’s surrender. He was appointed an OBE in 1946, When Britain required an atomic bomb to maintain its position in world politics, Penney was assigned the task. The first British nuclear device was successfully detonated off the West Coast of Australia in 1952 earning Penney a knighthood. In 1954 he served on the Board of the Atomic Energy Authority, becoming Chairman in 1964. He was appointed Lord Penney of East Hendred in 1967 and served as Rector of the Imperial College until 1973. The College built and named the William Penney Laboratory after him.

© Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Operation Bath Duck: Update 5

2010-12-02T15:15:00.001-08:00

Scout Duck:011 Brighton East Sussex, England. Last year Scout Duck 011 made his location known to me on a Youtube video blog called ‘The Doctor’s Diary’. Created back in 2008 the blogs provided a window into the life of Doctor Who fanatic Dale Who. Unfortunately, due to copyright issues the video no longer exists but in it Dale introduced his newly discovered Scout Duck to the world and made him a regular feature in his videos! Finding the blogs to be a fun and easy way to promote the things he liked, Dale shared his passion for movies, television shows, fan films and of course Doctor Who! Aside from being an authority of all things Who, he appeared in the UK Gold 40th anniversary special played a Dalek at conventions and Brighton Pier’s Doctor Who exhibition in 2006.
Each week 011 (Renamed Matt Smith Duck in honour of the 11th Doctor) accompanied K-9 and Dale as he mulled over the latest developments in the World of Who his full sized TARDIS looming in the background and then on March 1st Dale decided to move on!

It was the end but the moment had been prepared for...Dale can still be heard on ‘The Happiness Patrol’ a great series of fan-based Doctor Who podcast. On November 23rd (Doctor Who's 47th birthday) Dale created an online journal entitled ‘Pull To Open’ where he continues his legacy, spreading the good word and sharing his passion with the world.
I would like to thank Dale for his support. Scout Duck: 011 is in very good hands!

For a detailed account of the project please read the previous post 'Operation Bath Duck'
For previous updates:
Operation Bath Duck: Update 1
Operation Bath Duck: Update 2
Operation Bath Duck: Update 3
Operation Bath Duck: Update 4
© Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

'Science Spotlight’ 11/12 Sir Clive Marles Sinclair

2010-11-30T15:20:00.001-08:00

Sir Clive Marles Sinclair, born in 1940, Inspired by his father and grandfather who were both engineers Sinclair began designing at an early age. At school he excelled in mathematics and in 1955 he took his O-levels and A-levels in physics, pure maths, and applied maths. Three weeks before his A-levels he drew up the Sinclair Micro radio kit and wrote his first article for Practical Wireless. He decided against going to university and left school before his 18th birthday to sell his miniature electronic kits by mail order. He formed Sinclair Radionics Ltd and in the 1960’s designed and marketed pocket transistor radios and micro-amplifier kits, making Sinclair a pioneer in the field of miniature consumer electronics. In 1972, he marketed the world's first pocket calculator, 1976 the first digital wristwatch and in 1977 the first pocket TV.
In 1979, he set out to build a simple, easy to use personal computer for under £100 and in 1980, The Sinclair ZX80 was launched selling over 100,000 starting the home computer revolution in the UK. He was made chairman of the British Mensa Society in 1980 a role he served for 17 years and in 1983 he received a knighthood. In 1985 he launched the Sinclair C5 an environmentally friendly, streamlined electric vehicle.
Sinclair Research Ltd. continues to market Sinclair's inventions the most recent being the A-Bike a folding bike for city commuters and his latest electric vehicle the Sinclair X-1.

© Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Operation Bath Duck: Update 4

2010-11-28T16:19:00.001-08:00

Scout Duck: 007, of all the scout ducks 007 is the hardest to pinpoint, he seems to be travelling all over the UK I know this because I am regularly informed of his exploits through his Facebook page! He appears to be in the possession of one dj Baggio who is rapidly becoming the No.1 Hardcore Dj in North Wales! A front man for Deja-vu project a group made up of dj`s and club night promoters in North Wales Baggio is known for playing hardcore and Hardstyle at some of the biggest venues to come to North Wales. Playing alongside some of the biggest names around, the likes of Dj Sy, Darren Styles, Hixxy, Ultrabeats Chris Henry & Ian Redman, Dj Kuta N-trance & Clubland, Flip n Fill to name but a few!

Since joining the "crew" 007 (James Pond Duck to his friends) has become a regular face at sets having countless ravers coming over and having their picture taken with him! Naturally, being this popular it was only a matter of time before he had his own Facebook page, at the time of writing this Scout Duck 007 had 833 friends was ‘tagged’ in 116 photos! So if you are at any dj Baggio/Deja-vu project events look out for Scout Duck 007 and have your photo taken with him and share them on the gallery!My sincerest thanks to dj Baggio, Kelly Bonkers and Malcolm Clubfarrar for taking care of 007 and embracing the project!

*UPDATE*
Scout Duck 007 Now has his own Youtube Channel!

For a detailed account of the project please read the previous post 'Operation Bath Duck'
For previous updates:
Operation Bath Duck: Update 1
Operation Bath Duck: Update 2
Operation Bath Duck: Update 3
Photos courtesy of dj Baggio, Kelly Bonkers and Malcolm Clubfarrar
Operation Bath Duck © Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

How to Survive A Zombie Apocalypse In Wales

2010-11-19T16:23:00.001-08:00

I had been waiting months for this evening! The How to Survive A Zombie Apocalypse cast was coming to Harlech to present a seminar in zombie survival! I discovered this cult show online last year and followed their work with great interest since, listening to their weekly podcast series and reading the latest news and reviews on their facebook page. But tonight I was finally going to experience the fringe sell out show for myself!

So it was off to Harlech once again. As we made our way towards the theatre I wondered if the building would meet the requirements needed in a zombie invasion. After collecting our tickets, we sat in the lobby to wait for ‘curtain up’ only to be greeted by Donald (David Ash) the HTSAZA survival expert who informed us that being a seminar we needed name stickers. Having attended various forms of seminars over the years it was refreshing to attend one tackling a subject that was of interest to me we stuck the name badges on and made our way to our seats. Dr Dale Seslick (Ben Muir), a leading expert in zombology and HTSAZA founder walked up to the podium and gave a brief introduction to what the seminars were about, Namely survival! The audience didn’t quite know what to expect! He introduced us to the rest of the HTSAZA team science expert Dr Judy O'Dea (Jess Napthine) Dr Dale’s nephew Tristen Granger (Lee Cooper). Having recently been invited to capture the good Dr's likeness for the official web site it was strange to see him ‘in the flesh’ taking questions from the audience.
Having delivered several survival pointers and tips, ranging from the importance of dancing skills during a zombie apocalypse to avoiding vegetarians, it was time for a short break. We remained in our seats and reflected on what we had learnt and as we finished off a bag of M&M’s it was great listening to other audience members discussing zombie movies and questioning if zombies could run.
The second half was excellent, the audience had warmed to the team and were happy to play along with the survival scenario. If a wrong answer was given it cost you your life and so you had to remove your name badge, the audience number was whittled down to 2 survivors, which was a rather good score by all accounts. After the show the crew met the audience in the lobby to sign autographs and pose for photographs I was also able to pick up a signed copy of ‘Dr Dale's Zombie Dictionary: The A-Z Guide to Staying Alive’. We had a fantastic night, it was well worth the wait! It was improvisational comedy at its finest, with its well-acted endearing characters and hilarious slant on a situation familiar to many tackling a topic we have all thought about at some point! Well, I know I have…

This was the last stop of their 2010 tour but check out the offical site for 2011 tour dates!
© Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Frankophilia! Exhibition: Opening Night

2010-11-17T06:15:00.001-08:00

Last night was the opening night of Frankophilia! An exhibition celebrating the life and times of Frank Sidebottom and his creator Chris Sievey. Suzanne Smith Curator the Chapman Gallery at Salford University was inspired to create the show after seeing the creative ways that fans paid tribute after his sad passing in June.

I submitted two pieces for the show, ‘Alas poor Little Frank’painted back in 2006 inspired by Lord Ronald Sutherland Gower’s statue of Hamlet in Stratford-upon-Avon. (A piece he not only signed for me but he also compared it to the works of an old master!)

‘The Indestructible Frank Sidebottom' Frank made no secret of his passion for the works of Gerry Anderson so, in this piece Frank is depicted in a precarious situation reminiscent of the classic Ron Embleton paintings seen at the end credits of Captain Scarlet. Both pieces framed in ‘antique’ puppet pal cherub frames.

On arrival we were greeted by an array of touching tributes. Frank’s likeness beamed back at us from every angle ranging from plasticine models to scarecrows. His trademark big blue eyes realised in every medium. Everybody seemed to be enjoying the exhibition, taking photos and chuckling as they made their way around the room. I was honoured to be a part of this exhibition and thank Suzanne for inviting me to participate, and I congratulate everyone involved! I’m sure he would have loved it!

Frankophilia!, runs until December 18 at The Chapman Gallery at Salford University Wednesday to Saturday between 12pm and 5pm.

Operation Bath Duck: Update 3

2010-11-07T13:28:00.000-08:00

Update 3?! Goodness me I have fallen behind on these! I will not let this happen again! Rest assured the project is going well, photos are still being submitted from various points on the map and since I last checked I can reveal that the Facebook group now totals 518 members!

Scout Duck: 004, has taken up residents in the home of Jo Scott in Morfa Nefyn, North Wales.
Out of the 100 scout ducks, 004 have undoubtedly been the busiest! Always reporting back from a new adventure! I asked Jo to give a short bio of her self and this is what she sent me,

‘Oh Arfon I tried. I sat right down and wrote myself a letter.... Nope I didn’t that’s a song...I did however sit down and tried to write something about myself and just couldn’t, couldn’t find anything interesting to write... So basically I suppose what you see is what you get short, bubbly blonde who loves laughing enjoys meeting people, travelling taking photos and having fun! ...oooops sounds like a lonely hearts advert!!...But its not Ive been happily married to my long suffering husband so HE says.. for 20 years,.. I have 1 son a teenager...enough said ;) who I love dearly...and MY god is HE expensive!!!...And we have a new member of our family Dell my Babi Cymru our black Labrador Puppy.....But any hoots I love MY Scout duck 004 !!!!...he enables me to be abit more daft than usual !!! And he came into my life when I wasn’t in the best of health, Id had allot of operations and boring, boring hospital stays etc, BUT Good ole 004 cheered me up no end’
Jo has been a keen supporter of the project right from the start, and I thank her dearly for her commitment. Here is a small selection of photos she has submitted over the past year, the rest can be seen of the Facebook group gallery

For a detailed account of the project please read the previous post 'Operation Bath Duck'

For previous updates:
Operation Bath Duck: Update 1
Operation Bath Duck: Update 2
© Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Frankophilia! In the media

2010-11-04T13:49:00.000-07:00

The Frankophilia! Exhibition is attracting a lot of interest!
Along with a great article by Simon Poole of the City Lifers blog it has also made the BBC Manchester news site

The Manchester Evening News

Chortle

The Natter

17 November - 18 December 2010 (Wed-Sat, 12-5)
For further information about 'Frankophilia!' contact Suzanne Smith at the Chapman Gallery, Chapman Building, University of Salford, M5 4NT or by emailing
S.Smith@salford.ac.uk

Frankophilia!

2010-10-31T06:11:00.002-07:00

This November, the University of Salford’s Chapman Gallery will be hosting 'Frankophilia!' an exhibition of fan's artwork celebrating the great Frank Sidebottom. I am delighted to be a part of this exhibition!

'Earlier this year, fans responded to the sad news of the death of Frank’s creator, Chris Sievey, with a touchingly creative mourning. Images of all kinds of Frank-inspired objects made their way on-line; artwork made in response to the news, or years previously out of sheer Frank-love. 'Frankophilia!' will bring this work together and revel in its beautifully touching daftness - a multi-media ode to Frank.'

17 November - 18 December 2010 (Wed-Sat, 12-5)
Chapman Gallery, Chapman Building, University of Salford, M5 4NT

For further information please contact 'Frankophilia!' curator, Suzanne Smith by emailing
S.Smith@salford.ac.uk
Image courtesy of Frankophilia!

'Science Spotlight’ 10/12 Harry Price

2010-10-31T06:11:00.001-07:00

Harry Price (1881- 1948) Born in Holborn, London. At the age of 15 Price spent the night in an old manor house rumoured to be haunted the experience assured a life long obsession with the paranormal. In 1908 He married Constance Mary Knight, her trust fund enabled Price to devote his time and efforts to the study of Psychical phenomena. He joined the Society for Psychical Research in 1920, Also an amateur conjurer and member of the Magic Circle Price gained notoriety in 1922 when he conducted an investigation on behalf of the Society into the work of spirit photographer William Hope. Armed with his knowledge of stage magic he publicly exposed Hope as a fraud launching a career uncovering many other fraudulent claims of supernormal activity. In 1926, Price established the National Laboratory of Psychical Research in London, a scientific establishment for the testing of paranormal powers, with himself as the Honorary Director. Price conducted many investigations during the course of his career His most famous case was the investigation of Borley Rectory in 1937,once described as The Most Haunted House in England. His archive, ‘the Harry Price Library of Magical Literature’ a collection of books, pamphlets and periodicals related to conjuring tricks and psychic phenomena was deposited with the University of London after his death and is still in use today.
© Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

DJ XVI Logo

2010-10-19T02:44:00.000-07:00

I first discovered Red Dwarf during its forth series in 1991 and from that moment on I was hooked. I read the books, listened to the tapes and I’m not ashamed to tell you dear reader I also organised a Red Dwarf fan club at my school. An idea, inspired in part by my membership to the Official Red Dwarf fan club. Observant fans who spotted the details on the VHS tapes could join and receive a membership badge, card and quarterly newsletters filled with fan fiction, news about the show and details of the Red Dwarf convention, Dimension Jump. An event for like-minded fans to meet and greet and share their enthusiasm for this fabulous programme. So it is with pride I can announce that the 2011 Dimension Jump will feature a logo designed by yours truly!

Inspired by the episode ‘Demon’s and Angels' the fifth story of series V were the crew hope to solve supply problems by ‘Triplicating’ food. The result, one strawberry exhibiting all the best qualities of the original, the other all the worst. I was thrilled to discover that my logo was selected, I thank all involved. I look forward to seeing the logo in use next year!

I was doubly pleased to discover that it wasn’t just my logo that appeared in the newsletter, it also features an illustration created last Halloween inspired by BBC’s Ghostwatch. ‘Ghostwatching’ can be seen accompanying Rich Lawden’s insightful article 'Ghostwatching: My Wonderful Obsession'! In the article Rich shares his passion for Ghostwatch. Thanks Rich for allowing the image to be featured along side your fantastic work!

*UPDATE 5TH NOVEMBER 2010*
The logo was unveiled on the Official Red Dwarf site!

'Science Spotlight’ 9/12 Sir Bernard Lovell

2010-09-29T16:32:00.001-07:00

Sir Alfred Charles Bernard Lovell, OBE, FRS Born in 1913. Studied physics at the University of Bristol, obtaining a Ph.D. in 1936. He worked in the cosmic ray research team at the University of Manchester until the outbreak of World War II. During the War he led the team at the Air Ministry’s Telecommunications Research Establishment, developing the H2S, the first airborne, ground scanning radar system earning him an OBE in 1946. he then returned to Manchester with an ex-army mobile radar to continued his research on cosmic rays However electrical interference from the city’s tram system prevented him from doing so forcing him to move to The University’s horticultural/botany department at Jodrell Bank, Cheshire.
The first Transit Telescope constructed in 1947 provided valuable data however readings were limited, a fully steerable telescope was needed prompting the construction of the “Mark I” Telescope in 1957. Standing at 76.2 m (250 ft) in diameter it was the largest steerable dish radio telescope in the world. That same year, the Soviet Union launched the first space satellite, Sputnik I the “Mark I” was the only telescope in the world able to track the satellite's carrier rocket. Since then, it has been used for pioneering work in the discovery of pulsars and quasars. Lovell was knighted in 1961 for his contributions to the development of radio astronomy and served as Director of Jodrell Bank until his retirement in 1981.

© Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Back to the Asylum, Lincoln 2010

2010-09-21T07:06:00.000-07:00

Beth and I returned to Lincoln for the second annual Victorian Steampunk Society get together, a weekend of catching up with old friends, making new ones and sharing ideas and we had a lovely time. With this year’s event promising to be bigger than the last it exceeded the former psychiatric hospital to Lincoln Castle home of the Magna Carta. With the iconic Lincoln Cathedral towering over us the event was steeped in history!

Saturday, I wanted to follow up last year’s invention ‘The Cellular Condenser Ray’ and so I invented ‘The Glaciation Ray’ once the dinosaur had been reduced they can now be frozen and displayed in the ‘The Patented Cryo-preservation Curiosity Cabinet’ no biting, no feeding only fresh specimens every time! The frozen dinosaurs seemed well received by the visitors attracted by the icy glow emanating from amongst the wonderful contraptions on display by such inventors as Andy Dingley! Once sure that the inventions were in working order we continued with the rest of the day. Lincoln Castle played host to the Bazaar Eclectica, each stall holder was allocated a prison cell having perused the delights on offer and stocked up on our supply of Stokes tea we then returned to our favourite haunt The Sir Joseph Banks Conservatory for some cream tea.

We then attended a fascinating lecture on the history of the stereoscope given by Stephen Thomas founder of Visual Discoveries Ltd. Who is reviving this Victorian wonder by producing a 100% effective, lightweight affordable version for the 21st century. After the presentation we were able to experience them for our selves the beautifully crafted stereoscope were passed along the audience who marvelled at the photographs contained inside they were fantastic. Check out their web site, with a growing catalogue of views of different towns, villages and cities and a set called '3D Fun' for children in the works I highly recommend them!

We then made our way to the costume contest. Standards were high this year my favourites had to be the Postal Robot and Rachel White aka Miss Helga Von Flamme the intrepid aviatrix! Supporting a snazzy red flying helmet and rocket pack its no surprise Rachel wowed the judges and crowd and achieved 3rd place!

7:30pm onwards to the Empire Ball with Beth on my arm. Having had our photo taken as we entered we were then greeted by our generous hosts Thadeus Tinker and Lady Elsie. The place was awash with attractive women wearing amazing ball gowns with well-groomed gentlemen peppered around the room everyone dressed to impress! We settled down to an evening of live entertainment, conversation, wine and waltzing courtesy of Ghostfire.
On the Sunday, Rachel and Andy invited us to a picnic! We had a lovely cup of tea and carrot cake under the trees as we discussed ideas for future costumes and props. The sun held out throughout, we tidied up and made our way to the castle, as there was free Gin to be had! Hendricks Gin were one of the sponsors of the event and they were giving free samples to anyone who participated in a game of movie charades ‘The Day of the Dead’ and ‘Psycho’ latter the free gin had been won and consumed before making our way to the closing ceremony. After completely giving up trying to locate my raffle ticket they announced the winners of the contraption competition, Andy’s Dornberger Ætherian Rocket-Pack won this year’s Brunel Award with the Patented Cryo-preservation Curiosity Cabinet being awarded the Highly Commended rosette. And so ended another weekend at the Asylum.

'Science Spotlight’ 8/12 George Bennie

2010-08-28T15:30:00.001-07:00

George Bennie 1892-1957
born Auldhouse, Glasgow, the son of engineer He patented a number of inventions including a stable ashtray, which could be used at sea. He soon turned his inventive talents towards public transportation and in 1920 he developed the 'Railplane' an aircraft propeller driven monorail type system suspended from existing railway tracks. Bennie proposed that his Railplane, would enable passenger travel to run faster without being impeded by the slower freight trains on ground level.
Bennie’s idea caught the imagination of the public winning him a gold medal at the Industrial Exhibition in Edinburgh in 1922. Fired with enthusiasm, convinced that he was going to revolutionise transport, Bennie set out to transform his ideas into reality and in 1930 a prototype was installed over an LNER siding to Burnbrae Dyeworks at Milngavie, near Glasgow. Despite high levels of enthusiasm at launch, the world was recovering after the great depression of 1929 and he was unable to get sufficient financial backing to develop the idea further. Having invested large amounts of his own money in the construction of the test track He was declared bankrupt in 1937. The Structure was demolished for scrap a year before Bennie's death.

© Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

GHOSTWATCH

2010-07-25T18:03:00.000-07:00

Ive made no secret of my devotion to BBC’s Ghostwatch. So imagine my joy when I was commissioned by the Ghostwatch Behind the Curtains project to depict that now infamous Halloween night! The image has been well received by many who claimed that it brought back memories for them, prompting them to seek out the dvd for a second viewing! The painting also received high praise from Ghostwatch creator/ writer Stephen Volk!

© Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

'Science Spotlight’ 7/12 Sir Richard Owen

2010-07-11T08:23:00.000-07:00

Sir Richard Owen KCB (1804-1892)
Born in Lancaster, apprenticed to a local surgeon in 1820. He enrolled as a medical student at the University of Edinburgh in 1824, completing his medical course in London only to abandon the medical practice instead perusing a career in anatomical research. In 1827, Owen was appointed Assistant Curator of the Royal College of Surgeons. To further his understanding of anatomy he dissected deceased specimens donated by London zoo, acquiring a vast knowledge of comparative anatomy.
Owen had a particular interest in extinct animals, naming many species, publishing several scientific papers on the subject also coining the word Dinosauria (meaning "Terrible Reptile" or "Fearfully Great Reptile"). An astute politician, and friend to the Royal family Prince Albert requested he tutor the royal children and supervise the construction of the prehistoric life exhibition at the Crystal Palace. Having being elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, and Superintendent of the Natural History Departments of the British Museum, he established the British Museum of Natural History in South Kensington in 1881. Notorious for discrediting his fellow scientists, and claiming the scientific discoveries of others as his own, he continued to work until his official retirement at the age of 79. He was made a knight of the Order of the Bath in 1883.

© Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Frank's Fantastic Farewell

2010-07-09T09:50:00.000-07:00

Last night, Beth and I convened on Castlefield Arena in Manchester joining 5,000 other fans to celebrate the life and career of Chris Sievey a.k.a Frank Sidebottom. Many members of the audience wore papier mache heads and Altrincham football shirts I wore the badge he sent me 2 weeks before he died. This open-air extravaganza was tarnished only by the sad fact that he was no longer with us, Despite this we all remained upbeat during the festivities.

The evening started with Frank’s brilliant Channel M test card via the big screen as the Frank Sidebottom’s Oh Blimey Biggest Band took to the stage performing some of Frank’s classic songs with vocals provided by Frank’s long lost big brother Hank Sidebottom!After a few hilarious clips from his ‘Frank Sidebottom’s Proper Telly Show in B/W’ an interview with Radio 2 DJ Mark Radcliffe of Mark and Lard fame. He reminisced about life on the road with Chris and Frank when he was he was a drummer for the Oh Blimey Band.
Damon Gough aka Badly Drawn Boy followed, sharing his story of his first encounter with Frank then played four of his songs closing with a touching 'Timperley Sunset’ reference.

The evening progressed with further tributes from family and friends including fellow cult legend, the great Charlie Chuck!Along with Mr B the Gentleman Rapper and Moonchester the official mascot of Manchester City F.C spaced between clips from Frank’s past television ventures including ‘Frank’s Fantastic Shed Show’. ’Frank’s World’, the animated short created by the man himself and the hilariously funny, never aired ‘Frank Sidebottom’s Celebrity Sleep Over’ were Frank dropped in on former Smiths' drummer, Mike Joyce.

The show ended with a performance by the Refreshies an updated version of The Freshies with Harry Sievey Chris’ youngest son stepping in before eldest son Stirling Sievey (Roger the boy next door) closed what was an emotional evening’s worth of entertainment asking the crowd to ‘Guess who's been On Match of the Day?! A send off that lived up to all that was Frank Sidebottom.

With ‘Guess who's been On Match of the Day? now on iTunes as a posthumous bid to get Frank to No 1 in the charts Along with plans to erect a statue of Frank in Timperley the Frank Sidebottom legacy is far from over!

'Science Spotlight’ 6/12 Harry Grindell Matthews

2010-06-28T16:20:00.001-07:00

Harry Grindell Matthews (1880-1941)
Studied at the Merchant Venturer's School in Bristol and became an electronic engineer. Having served in the South African Constabulary in the Second Boer War he developed an interest in the possibilities of voice communication by wireless. After returning to Britain he invented the Aerophone device, a radiotelephone that transmitted messages between a ground station and an aeroplane from a distance of two miles. In 1914, the British government offered £25,000 for an effective weapon against zeppelins. Matthews created a remote control system that used selenium cells. In 1921 he designed and built a camera that recorded an optical sound track alongside the photographed image. The device was not pursued as film producers believed that ‘talkies’ had no commercial future... In 1923 he invented the infamous 'Death Ray' a means of transmitting energy without wires capable of shooting down aeroplanes, stopping ships and incapacitating infantry from the distance of four miles. The government unconvinced and sceptical, believing the demonstration to be a hoax rejected his invention. In 1934, facing bankruptcy after the commercial failure of his ‘Sky Projector’ he relocated to South Wales where he worked on rocket travel, a submarine detection system, and an Aerial Torpedo for defending cities from airborne attacks until his death from a heart attack.

© Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Frank's Fantastic Funeral Fund

2010-06-26T07:15:00.000-07:00

Still in shock after the tragic death of Chris Sievey a.k.a Frank Sidebottom.
When it was reported that he had in fact died penniless and was to suffer the indignity of a pauper's funeral provided by state grants. Friends, fans and former band members united to prevent this from happening and launched the Frank's Fantastic Funeral Fund raising £15,000 within 24 hours!

Wanting to do my bit for the great man, I painted this piece depicting him sporting his trademark pink show business tie and his ventriloquist puppet Little Frank. Created in pen and acrylic on blue card it was sold on ebay with all the proceeds going to Frank's Fantastic Funeral Fund. Thanks to everyone who placed a bid!

© Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Frank Sidebottom (1955–2010)

2010-06-21T13:24:00.000-07:00

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Chris Sievey a.k.a Frank Sidebottom who died today.I mentioned in a previous post how much of an influence Frank had been on me growing up the 1980’s. First seeing him on ITV’s No. 73 his puppet pal Little Frank and keyboard in tow being only 7 at the time I had no knowledge of ‘alternative comedy’ I was simply fascinated by his papier-mâché features. Frank would regularly pop up in following years either as a guest on various television shows or in Oink! Comic, the strips written and drawn by the man himself in his traditional medium of felt tip pen.

Forward to 2005, I happened to be watching Channel 4's 100 Greatest Pop Videos when suddenly there was Frank Sidebottom speaking on behalf of The Aphex Twin! All the memories came flooding back to me prompting an Internet search… I was delighted to discover that Frank was back and touring!
I attended several of Frank’s live gigs then on, ranging from lectures on pet keeping to family friendly pantomimes each one crammed with humour, music and a raffle! Always remaining in character a true professional, I fondly remember Frank setting up his equipment before a gig with a taped on moustache maintaining he was a stagehand and NOT Frank Sidebottom.

I also had the pleasure of attending the Timperley Magical Tour, a guided tour of his beloved hometown of Timperley, the tour gave a new perspective to all his songs. We saw such locations as the grounds of Altrincham FC and the famous Timperley station followed by a fish and chip supper and a ‘lock in’ at Timperley Aquatics where a snake managed to get into the lining of Frank’s jacket. We all looked on as a staff member tried to coax the snake out and Frank worried about what his mother would say about his ruined jacket! I would receive my Sidebottom fix between shows via his web site and his Frank Sidebottom's Proper Telly Show in B/W on Channel M not to mention his hilarious test cards where he would sing songs and ramble on with Little Frank.

I am so grateful for being able to add the last 5 years to my already endearing memory of Frank. I had the pleasure of meeting the great man several times, always charming and entertaining, once comparing one of my painting to one of the ‘great masters’. I have made many friends at his events who share equally fond memories of the legend that was Frank Sidebottom. Thanks Chris.
You will be missed, you know you will… you really will...Thank you.

© Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

How to Survive A Zombie Apocalypse: RELOADED

2010-06-18T03:07:00.000-07:00

You may recall back in February I was invited to capture the likeness of leading Zombologogist and star of hit cult show ‘How To Survive A Zombie Apocalypse’, Dr Dale Seslick. Following on from the success at the Leicester Comedy Festival & Brighton Fringe I’m pleased to announce that the Zombie Apocalypse crew are returning to the Edinburgh Fringe! Armed with countless rave reviews from the likes of SFX, Fortean Times, The Argus and Threeweeks they plan to repeat last year’s sell out success with their sequel ‘How to Survive A Zombie Apocalypse: RELOADED’

With the tie-in book being launched nationally on the 1st August, their weekly podcast series reaching 13the position in the iTunes comedy charts and their Facebook page accumulating over 15,000 fans I recommend that you check out what all the buzz is about – at the very least you’ll learn how to stay alive when the undead rise!

Operation Bath Duck: Update 2

2010-06-09T14:30:00.000-07:00

Apologies for the lack of updates, as I worked on other projects Operation Bath Duck has continued to grow from strength, to strength with Scout Ducks reporting back from all over the globe! Even the number of members on the Facebook group has totalled over 500 now!

Scout Duck: 003 003 now resides with singer Melissa Hillard in Kentucky, USA. Originally from Nova Scotia, Canada Melissa began singing at the age of 10 with her family in Southern Gospel music. At the age of 12 she started recording and travelling full-time across Canada and into a large portion of the United States. Recording 6 albums and winning the Homeland Publishing and Recording award in Nashville in 1998. In 2000 she along with her family were granted missionary status into the USA. For the next 3 years she continued ministering in song with her family until 2003 when she took time to devote to her new family and home in Western Kentucky. While she primarily sings contemporary music these days she has shared the stage with such groups as Gold City, Brian Free and Assurance appearing on International television on numerous occasions.
Thanks for your commitment to the project Melissa!

To find out more about Melissa, her music and her up and coming CD please visit her official site

Scout Duck: 005 Kentucky, USA…. No, I haven’t muddled up the numbers Scout Duck 005 lost his way and ended up in Kentucky along with Scout Duck: 003! He’s fine, but he needs to move on and find a new home. So, in response to the Facebook group members requesting their own Scout Duck I have set a competition. If you think you have an interesting photo opportunity for him, simply join the group and let me know what you have in mind. All entries must be submitted by the 30th of June whereupon the most exciting entry will be selected. Further details can be found here.
So don’t delay! Scout Duck 005 could very well be winging his way to you!

For a detailed account of the project please read the previous post 'Operation Bath Duck'

© Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Well Wishes for Frank

2010-05-20T04:13:00.000-07:00

I wish Frank Sidebottom (Chris Sievey) all the very best in his fight against Cancer.
This will be Frank’s 25th anniversary in show business growing up the 1980’s Frank’s instantly recognisable papier-mâché face was a regular feature in my childhood. Whether appearing on No. 73 or reading his comic strips in Oink! Frank always remained my firm favourite. In 2006 I was thrilled to discover that Frank was touring again and since then I have managed to catch several of his shows and even had a tour of his hometown of Timperley! I wish him well and I sincerely look forward to seeing him on stage again very soon.

Send him your regards via Twitter
Leave him a message on the facebook group
Follow his news and updates via MySpace

© Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

'Science Spotlight’ 5/12 Maurice Grosse

2010-05-14T11:10:00.001-07:00

Maurice Grosse (1919- 2006)
Educated at the Regent Street Polytechnic in London. After serving an apprenticeship in commercial art and design, he served in World War II with the Royal Artillery He married in 1944 and they had two daughters and a son. After the war, he became an inventor, and he filed the first of his many mechanical patents in 1945. His most successful invention was the rotating advertising billboard. In 1961 Grosse founded his own design and engineering consultancy business which became responsible for launching many patents throughout the world. A personal tragedy launched Grosse into psychical research, when his daughter Janet was killed in a motorcycle accident in 1976. Following her death, a number of psychic happenings led him to join the Society for Psychical Research. In September 1977 he investigated the famous Enfield Poltergeist case recording many hours of cassette and video evidence of the phenomena. Grosse investigated many other cases, and served as a member of the Society for Psychical Research's Council, as well as being the long-serving Chairman of its Spontaneous Phenomena Committee. He also put together an extensive collection of psychic photography. He continued this work right up until his death.

© Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

‘Science Spotlight’ 4/12 Dr. Magnus Pyke

2010-04-22T03:51:00.001-07:00

Dr. Magnus Alfred Pyke OBE(1908-1992)
Was educated at St paul’s school, London. Then moving to canada studing agriculture at McGill university Montreal, then returning to the University collage London. In 1930 he was the chief chemist at the bemax factory, were he helped develop the use of vitamins in diet. During World War 2 he joined the scientific advisers division of the ministry of food. In an effort to cope with the problem of blood donation outstripping local storage for blood transfusion, Pyke unsuccessfully proposed using access human blood to make black pudding! After the war ended he became secretary of the British association for the advancement of science. He lectured around the world and wrote several books about food science and technology. However, it was in later life he came to public notice when he started presenting science based television programmes such as ‘Don’t ask me’ and ‘Don’t just sit there’ his enthusiasm and ability to explain the subject make him a household name.

© Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

An evening with The Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre

2010-03-21T10:20:00.001-07:00

Like many I first discovered this comedy pairing on YouTube. A pair of sock puppets with Ping-Pong balls for eyes tackling serious, sometimes topical themes in the form of skits and songs.
Written and performed by comedian and comic book writer/ artist Kev F Sutherland, the show was nominated Best Show at the Leicester Comedy Festival Awards in March and won the Edinburgh Festival Insider Comedy Award in 2009. Having watched all their great videos on YouTube image my joy when I discovered that they were performing live in my neck of the woods!

So, on Saturday 20 March 2010 Beth and I embarked on Harlech to see the Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre LIVE! After a lovely stroll around Harlech (spotting several posters along the way)We enjoyed the breathtaking view from the castle and enjoyed a fantastic meal. As the sun started to set on Cardigan Bay we made our way to the theatre.

Comic magician Ali Cook supported the Socks. His sleight of hand has made him one of the pioneers of the alternative magic scene. Having written and starred in several television series and sell-out shows in Edinburgh and the West End we knew this was going to be good... we were not disappointed! A fantastic mix of comedy and amazing magic tricks!

Then came the Socks, who gave a hilarious lecture on the history of films, ranging from Westerns to Horror and thanks to quick costume changes a reenactment of Star Wars! They tackled the issue of Swine Flu and delivered a tribute to Michael Jackson! The show was an amazingly funny, a brilliantly original one-man show that didn’t disappoint. A fantastic night out I highly recommend.
Check out their site for tour dates!
© Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

‘Science Spotlight’ 3/12 Wilf Lunn

2010-03-19T04:48:00.001-07:00

Wilfred Makepeace Lunn
Born in 1942, first started writing and making miniature bicycles out of firewood wire when he was teaching lip-reading + religious knowledge at ‘Odsal House School for the Deaf’ in Yorkshire. He constructed miniature cycles one of which was small enough to be housed inside a bottle! The bikes would perform other functions aside from transportation including catching worms and removing creases from tents! During an exhibition of his work he was invited to demonstrate his inventions on the television show ‘Late Night Line Up’ and later ‘Vision On’ the award winning BBC series designed for deaf children. Lunn became a household name appearing on countless other programmes demonstrating his strange and wondrous inventions including the self blowing flag, a pipe stabiliser for smokers with false teeth, the exploding milk bottle protector, the anti molest trouser zip and the clockwork running fast food for fat dogs.

© Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

‘How to Survive A Zombie Apocalypse’

2010-02-27T09:55:00.000-08:00

Following on from their sell out show at the August Festival Fringe in Edinburgh ‘How To Survive A Zombie Apocalypse’ is now touring the UK, introduced by leading expert in zombology, Dr Dale Seslick, the seminars teach you all you need to know about zombie survival.I was recently invited to capture the good Dr's likeness for their web site!Click here for more information and tour dates!
© Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

‘Science Spotlight’ 2/12 Sir Patrick Moore

2010-02-20T06:13:00.001-08:00

Sir Patrick Alfred Caldwell-Moore
Was born in 1923 developed an interest in astronomy at the age of six elected to the British Astronomical association at eleven. Having served as a navigator in the RAF during the Second World War he was elected a fellow of the Royal Astronomical society in 1945. He constructed a homemade relocating telescope in his garden and began observations of the moon. Establishing himself as a specialist in lunar observation. In 1959, the Russians used his charts to correlate the first lunik 3 pictures of the far side of the moon, his lunar maps were used in the NASSA Apollo missions. Despite writing 70 books on astronomy he is known to many as the presenter of the monthly BBC series ‘The Sky At Night’ which he presented all but one since 1957 earning him a place in the ‘Guinness book of Records’ as the longest serving television presenter. The series has been attributed as a major factor in the encouragement of amateurs perusing the subject of astronomy and in 2001, Moore was appointed knight bachelor “For services to the popularisation of science and broadcasting”. In the same year, he was appointed an honorary fellow of the royal society.

© Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

'Science Spotlight' 1/12 Professor Heinz Wolff

2010-01-29T08:35:00.000-08:00

I thought I would create a regular feature for this blog page. A feature I hope will be of interest to all. Each month I shall produce a fact file entitled ‘Science Spotlight’; that will feature someone of scientific interest. Presented in a simplistic style, reminiscent of traditional children’s education books and comics. They will provide a brief biography of that person. In order to keep this feature fun and interesting the image will also be presented as an anaglyph image creating a stereoscopic 3D effect! So get those 3d glasses!

Professor Heinz Siegried Wolff was born in 1928 and qualified in physiology and physics in 1954. Subsequently, whilst with the medical research council, he chose to work on the interface between engineering and the biological sciences, calling himself a bioengineer, thus giving a name to the new discipline. He became head of the divisions of bioengineering at the national institute for medical research and subsequently at the clinical research centre. Moving to Brunel University in 1983, he founded the Brunel institute for bioengineering, the only organisation in the United Kingdom to work on the instrumentation problems of conducting biological research in the weightless environment of a spacecraft. The institute holds contacts for work in space research, medical instrumentation and technology for the improvement of the quality of life for the elderly. In 1992 he was recipient of the Edinburgh medal, awarded in recognition of an outstanding contribution by a scientist to society. The professor is well known to a whole generation as a television personality, presenting scientific and engineering “entertainment”. Programmes such as ‘The Great Egg Race’, known to have started many young people on careers in science and technology.

© Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world. Information source: the Brunel University

Operation Bath Duck: UPDATE 1

2010-01-24T16:06:00.000-08:00

The Operation Bath Duck experiment is going very well. The number of members on the Facebook group has now grown to 447 as Scout Ducks report back from all over the planet!

Scout Duck:006 Huddersfield in West Yorkshire, England 006 is in the company of Inventor, artist and visionary Wilf Lunn! Known to thousands for demonstrating his fantastic creations on such shows as ‘Vision On’ ‘Jigsaw’ ‘Eureka’ and ‘Fantastic Facts’. Before working in television Wilf first started making miniature bicycles when he taught lip-reading & religious knowledge at Odsal House School For the Deaf It was during an exhibition of his bicycles he was invited to appear on television.

Growing up in the 1980’s I adored Wilf’s work and I was mesmerised by the wonderful inventions that he demonstrated in his workshop. His invention for helping dog’s loose weight in the form of walking dog food still remains fresh in my subconscious to this very day! So, it was to my absolute delight that Scout Duck:006 found its way to Huddersfield and become a part of Wilf’s version of how man evolved! ladies and gentlemen of the World Wide Web I give you ‘Evolution Duck’ By Wilf Lunn
To find out more about Wilf and his brilliant creations visit his Official Web Site
Wilf also writes a Colum for the Huddersfield Daily Examiner
And be sure to order his fantastic book WILF LUNN - "MY BEST CELLAR" (autobiography up to the age of eleven & other stuff)

For a detailed account of the project please read the previous post 'Operation Bath Duck'
© Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Operation: Christmas Duck ‘CONCLUSION’

2010-01-07T06:08:00.000-08:00

With Christmas 2009 still fresh in the memory I thought I would make the Christmas Ducks the topic of this the first blog of 2010 AD!
Launched in December, Christmas Ducks were created in the same manner as Scout Ducks only they were distributed as Christmas cards. A limited edition of 20, and guaranteed to not fall of the mantel if a sudden draft should occur. Recipients were invited to photograph the duck in a Christmas setting and then submit the photo to an online 'festive foto'’ gallery (for a detailed account Operation: Christmas Duck)

I can now report a 60% success rate for the project as 11 out of 20 ducks reported back. 90 photos were submitted and placed in specially created Facebook photo album. 1 photo for each duck was then added to the official Christmas Duck Gallery

Conclusion, The ducks were well received, they breached the void of the networking sites and provided a Christmas card with a difference. Friends otherwise unaware of each other’s existence were brought together to ‘play’ a festive game were they submitted unique, creative photographs personal to them sharing the endearing diversity of Christmas and how we all celebrate it. As I dearly thank them for joining in my experiment, I wonder how many of the ducks (seeing as this has been posted after the 12th night) have been stored away with the decorations?
© Arfon Jones 2009-2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

The 2009 end of year full circle revue

2009-12-17T04:38:00.000-08:00

A review of the year is an excellent way to share some of the highlights of 2009 and allow me the opportunity to include some events that accrued before I started this blog in September.

January
I would start each New Year vowing to see the Mona Lisa before I was 30… Cutting it a little fine Beth and I visited Paris a week before my 30th birthday! I had visited France before but I never had the opportunity to visit the sights of Paris so, we spent a magical weekend there, wandering the corridors of the Louvre and the snow covered embankments of the river Seine.
The Louvre delivered all the riches of Renaissance that I expected. I wandered in awe amongst all the works housed within this magnificent building, the perfectly sculpted figures reflected in the marble floor pointed the way to the famous Venus de Milo. I have always admired the Renaissance particularly the paintings of Botticelli and Da Vinci which I had appreciated for many years, it was marvellous to able to study them so closely in such relaxed surroundings! We then spotted the Mona Lisa the same way one would spot a familiar face in a crowd. She remained a safe distance from the visitors but not so far that we couldn’t experience that famous smile for ourselves, she certainly was worth the trip!

Of course no visit to Paris would be complete without visiting the Eiffel Tower. Not being particularly hard to find, we made our way along the snow-covered streets of Paris, weaving amongst the beautifully historic buildings. A well-earned crepe and hot chocolate soon brought warmth back to our faces as we admired the iconic wonder of 19th century French architecture that is Tour Eiffel! As we made our way back along the Seine occasionally glancing back at the tower that slowly began to light up the Paris sky.

Having sampled various styles throughout the ages, Sunday morning seemed the best time to experience the gothic beauty of the Notre Dame Cathedral. So fantastic was this building that we felt compelled to walk round it several times to be sure we hadn’t missed a single detail. The snow crunched underfoot as we admired the famous gargoyles that have looked over Paris for centuries, wondering what the ones that had broken or weathered might have looked like. Until the bells chiming the 12th hour reminded us that we had to bid 'au revoir’ to Paris and make our way back to the airport and return to old Blighty!

March
A return visit to London and to one of my favourite locations, the Natural History Museum, for an evening of good food and live music offered in the museum’s central hall. We sat under the famous Diplodocus skeleton’s tail and raised our glasses to Charles Darwin whose statue had been moved to the central hall in honour of his 200th birthday (One can only imagine what Richard Owen would have said!). Having finished our meal we had a wander around the Mary Anning Room to marvel at the great specimens on display including the Ichthyosaur, the Plesiosaurus and the Rhomaleosaurus and another favourite of mine the Megatherium or Giant Sloth. One of the largest mammals to ever walk the earth sent over from South America by Charles Darwin and examined by Richard Owen.

May
I attended a lecture given by the great professor Heinz Wolff who was invited to speak as part of Shrewsbury’s celebration of Darwin’s 200th anniversary.

Professor Heinz Wolff BSc. FIEE. FIBES FRCP (hon) FRSA is the world's first bio-engineer. He was director of the Division of Biological Engineering at the National Institute for Medical Research and Clinical Research Centre of the Medical Research Council. He also founded the Institute of Bio-engineering at Brunel University for over 30 years he has been involved with Television and Radio, mainly being remembered for 'The Great Egg Race', 'Young Scientists of the Year' and 'Great Experiments, Which Changed the World'.

As Professor Wolff remarked, he had been invited to speak about Evolution but pointed out that he couldn’t perform experiments in evolution, it would take many centuries and no one would be prepared to sit through it! But instead he gave a fascinating lecture about ‘The evolution of photography’ and William Henry Fox Talbot the pioneer that revolutionised the world of photography which paved the way for microchips and the making of the 20th century.As expected from the Professor, he performed several experiments during the lecture.
He demonstrated the photographic process using a replica studio camera made from a box, tubing and a lens having taken a photograph of a member of the audience he proceeded to develop the photo, mixing the chemicals needed as he gave the lecture. Then moving on to the development of the digital camera a process he demonstrated using a 48 pixel camera he made from Ping-Pong balls, photo sensitive circuitry and a box! A fascinating lecture, that made the information accessible to everyone in the audience.

July
We celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Moon landing.
To mark this occasion a limited edition postcard was produced ‘July 20 1969’ was painted to mark the anniversary of the first manned mission to the Moon and their safe return to Earth.
The painting both depicts the Apollo 11 taking off from Earth with the Moon in the night sky and man’s first steps on the Moon with the Earth in the distance. The painting has a British ‘take’ on it as it also features Sir Patrick Moore toasting the mission representing not only the voice that commentated on the live pictures for the United Kingdom but also acknowledging his involvement in the mission by providing the maps used by NASA.

Signed, numbered and a limited edition of 30 a few remain and are only available through ebay
‘July 20 1969’ © Arfon Jones 2009

August
I experienced the marvel of ‘Walking With Dinosaurs: The Arena Spectacular’ at the Liverpool's Echo Arena. Based on the award-winning BBC series, Walking with Dinosaurs was a stunning theatrical event.
Narrated by Huxley the on set palaeontologist the show recreated the 200 million-year reign of the dinosaurs using both costumes and animatronics. Beginning in the Triassic period we moved through to the Jurassic and on to the Cretaceous. We watched the first flowers bloom and wither before our eyes as the animals fought for survival and supremacy until their demise!

We were introduced to several dinosaurs such as the Ankylosaurus, the Brachiosaurus and the Stegosaurus to name but a few. But undoubtedly the star of the show for me was the Tyrannosaurus-Rex! She pounded on to the stage to protect her young to the amazement of the audience! Driven on wheels and operated by three people controlling body movement she was an amazingly convincing site as the roared over our heads! An amazing show ‘Spectacular’ was an understatement!© Arfon Jones 2009

Operation: Christmas Duck

2009-12-13T14:52:00.000-08:00

I am happy to report that ‘Operation Bath Duck’ is going very well. The project has received a positive response from many contributors from across the globe! So much so I decided to address this and make it the feature of this years Christmas ‘card’

Christmas ducks were created in the same manner as Scout ducks. A festive edition of 20 complete with Christmas red plumage and wearing a pretty green bow! A Christmas card with a difference these ducks not only look cheerful they can also be placed on the mantelpiece and will not fall off if a sudden draft should occur. Each duck supports a label that both wishes the recipient seasonal greeting and invites him or her to photograph the duck in a Christmas setting special to them to be posted on an online ‘festive foto gallery’

To assure maximum ‘Christmasy-ness’ each duck had its bow tied on individually to the sounds of ‘Come all ye faithful’ and Bing Crosby’s ‘White Christmas’ in the light of a festive fragrance candle. Once all the bows were tied and each hand written Christmas greeting was added the duck was then carefully wrapped and placed in a box along with a traditional candy cane to the sounds of ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’ and Bing Crosby’s ‘Let it Snow, let it snow, Let it snow” Each box was then numbered and labelled then stored underneath the Christmas tree until they could be delivered.
For progress please read this post Operation: Christmas Duck ‘CONCLUSION'© Arfon Jones 2009

Ghostwatching

2009-10-29T06:30:00.000-07:00

© Arfon Jones 2009
Saturday October 31st 1992 was a memorable day for me. I had always been an avid supporter of Halloween particularly the custom of ‘Trick or Treating’. Being 12 I (reluctantly) announced that this was to be the final time and I was retiring from ‘Trick or Treating. But, as there was no school the next day I could stay out as long as I wanted! The night was mine and this was going to be the big one!
However, I decided to be back home by 9:00pm because there was a television show that had caught my interest it was called GhostWatch.

Having previously viewed the BBC's CrimeWatch and Badger Watch we thought this show was in the same vein. And so with the faint smell of the turnip jack lantern’s candle burning out in the air we sat down as a family to watch the show. We missed the credits at the beginning believing that the show was ‘live’ were convinced that we could see the shape of a figure behind the curtains. I remember being engulfed in the show, turning to my parents and saying, “If this is real we are watching television history!” As the show progressed and Mr. Pipes unleashed his power and all hell broke loose it became apparent to us that it wasn’t real but we enjoyed the programme nevertheless.

I was right though, it did make television history. Stephen Volk’s Ghostwatch became one of the most controversial British television events ever. The BBC was undated with phone calls and letters from viewers both angry and scared. They were criticised by the newspapers for terrifying the Nation and so the BBC after assuring everyone that Michael Parkinson and Sarah Greene were safe vowed to never repeat the show again. After many years of wishing that I had recorded it and discussing it with others that also remembered it I was delighted to discover that British Film Institute had released it on DVD! 17 years later I was finally able to sit down and watch it again, all the memories of that Halloween night came flooding back to me!

There are behind-the-scenes information on the dvd along with a photo of actor Keith Ferrari made up as Pipes in all his glory! I couldn’t resist sketching him standing behind Michael Parkinson on the Ghostwatch set, and so ‘Ghostwatching’ became my little tribute to my favourite Halloween special.

Fans of the film will also be interested to know of filmmaker Richard Lawden's project Ghostwatch: Behind the Curtains a retrospective documentary about the programme that is currently in production.
Show your support and visit the site, share your memories of October 31st 1992… Happy Halloween

‘Ghostwatching’ © Arfon Jones 2009

So long and thanks for all the fish…

2009-10-15T08:53:00.000-07:00

Sunday the 11th October my girlfriend Beth and I embarked on The Southbank Centre in London wearing dressing gowns and carrying towels. We attended Hitchcon 09 an event celebrating 30 years of the ever-popular sci-fi comedy, The Hitchiker’s Guide To The Galaxy and its creator the late, great Douglas Adams. Commemorative towels with “A hoopy frood always knows were his towel is” printed on were given to the first 150 fans that arrived in their dressing gowns we were then invited to join the largest-ever photocall of Hitchhiker’s fans outside the Centre. We looked over the Thames as the press photographed everyone in high spirits holding out their thumbs and waving their towels in the air.
Hitchhiker’s fans embarked on The Southbank Centre in London photo courtesy of the Guardian

Having had a cup of tea we then entered the Centre where an exhibition of Hitchhiker’s memorabilia and props from the TV series were on display accompanied by the Bath which Douglas Adams claimed he would lie in when he was stuck for ideas.
I had the pleasure of meeting the man responsible for the animated sequences in the TV series Mr Rob Lord who kindly signed a picture of a Babel Fish for me.
we then took our seats for ‘The Douglas Adams Chat Show’ hosted by Clive Anderson who interviewed a panel of Hitchhiker’s experts and friends of Douglas Adams Simon Jones (Arthur Dent) Simon Brett (producer of the original radio series) Dirk Maggs and Ed Victor (Douglas Adams' agent) they shared fascinating stories about the great man, his work and his legacy. Simon Jones was then on hand meeting and greeting and signing autographs.

Eoin Colfer author of Artemis Fowl was commissioned to write a the sixth book in the Hitchhiker’s series which he had gladly accepted. He gave an exclusive reading from And Another Thing… at the event he later signed copies of the book offered to fans a day before the official release date.
Then came the main event! The original radio cast of The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy were reunited for a special one-off performance adaptation by Dirk Maggs! Joining Simon Jones were Geoffrey McGivern (Ford Prefect) Mark Wing-Davey (Zaphod Beeblebrox) Stephen Moore (Marvin) and Susan Sheridan (Trillian) accompanied by Andrew Sachs as the narrator and Harry Shearer as Slartibartfast with Dirk Maggs providing the sound effects! The cast re-created classic moments from the saga delivering fan favourite lines and singing ‘Marvin The Paranoid Android’ The show ended with the cast taking their bows acknowledging a photograph of Douglas Adams projected overhead to a standing ovation from the audience. A truly magical performance enjoyed by all.

Handel Evans: Artistic Roots

2009-09-24T10:17:00.000-07:00

I was recently asked if there were other artists in the family. My second cousin once removed was an accomplished artist his name was Handel Cromwell Evans (3 April 1932- 5 January 1999) in his lifetime he created an extensive body of fine paintings, etchings and drawings. That moved from figuration to abstraction with a figurative element. Though success in Britain eluded him he had greater successes overseas, particularly in Germany. I never had the pleasure of meeting him but I was able to learn a great deal about his work through his mother, my great aunt Marian Evans-Quinn who passed away in 2006. Two years before she died she presented me with a catalogue documenting Handel’s work that I will always treasure as she had written inside;
“ Arfon, this clever and very delightful artist to whom I am dedicating Handel’s catalogue of three decades, will live from strength to strength through his chosen career”

Handel was born in Pontypridd, Glamorgan Wales. He was named after the famous composer after his father Joeseph had conducted the Messiah a few days before his birth. Joeseph was a licentiate of the London College of Music who had descended from a family of singers and was said to have had a baritone voice. He had however failed to win a scholarship for his singing in 1934, prompting a nervous breakdown and vowed "never to sing another note in my life". His mother was a designer and fitter from the West End couture houses. The love of music was passed to Handel at an early age and was taught music. He passed his piano exam at the age of four, he was so small he had to be lifted onto his stool by the examiner!

Despite his skills in music he decided to concentrate on his art he studied painting at Cardiff collage of Art from 1949 to 1954, taught by David Tinker and Eric Malthouse. His early works ranged from carbon portraits to gouache. He never strayed from music however as he became a licentiate of the Royal Academy of music. Mentoring under Clifford H. Lewis, who urged his parents to sell everything if necessary to fund his study of the Alexander Technique, to improve his posture.

'The Vaults' by Handel Evans 1989 © University of Wales

Having completed his studies he later moved to Grenada in the Caribbean and from (1959-61) where he developed his style and taught art. Producing such complex works as 'the Caribbean Village'. He avoided the 'Avant Guard Hype' He later held a one-man exhibition at the institute of Jamaica, in Kingston in 1962. After his return from the Caribbean, his work changed direction. He was fascinated by the technological advances that had been made while he had been away. The increasing interaction between man and his invention intrigued him, believing that it had become the characteristic phenomenon of the 20th century, and with its formidable potential for good and evil was presenting a great dilemma for our age.
He produced a series of 100 drawings entitled 'Employees' demonstrating sympathy for man's machines and also man's rejection of them. After a period in Germany and Italy he attended the prestigious British school in Rome until 1963. After further painting in the West Indies, London, Italy, the US and Canada. 1968 he had an exhibition at the Lyford Clay gallery in the Bahamas.

From 1975 - 76 he studied etching with Stanley Williams Hayter at Ateleir 17, in Paris. In 1978 Dr. Eugene Garfield founder of the Institute of Scientific Information (ISI) in Phildelphia, commissioned a portrait. Handel created'Interpenetrations'. A study painted in oil and canvas Handel remarked that the painting was a,"visual metaphor of the relationship between mind and information"

"lnterpenetrations" by Handel Evans 1978© University of Wales

He then moved to Germany to be close to nature and its respect for the arts, as his work never really ‘took off’ in Wales, the galleries were never interested in his work. And being in the centre of Europe meant he could keep close contact throughout the world. He was fluent in German and would make puns from English/ German vocabulary. In 1984 Handel exhibited his work at the kleine gallery in Cuxhaven, and was firmly established in Germany by 1990. Still keeping close contact with his mother whom made all of his clothes. Handel died at the Thanet hospital on January 5th 1999 and was buried on Febuary 27th at Ramsgate Kent.

Shortly after his death a memorial show was held at the Korbach Museum in Germany. In 2001 he was posthumously awarded the first Contemporary Culture Award by the National Welsh-American Foundation. In 2004, The Handel Evans Collection, Archive and Trust Fund was established at the University of Wales in Aberystwyth ‘Interpenetration’s was donated by Professor Eugene Garfield and added to the archive of a thousand items ranging from paintings and drawings along with his two pianos (One believed to have belonged to a high-ranking Nazi Party official).

Described by close friend, professor of Art in Wales Dr. Alistair Crawford as a "tall, erect, elegant, handsome man with a well groomed beard. A charming, debonair man with an inner attraction."
Fondly remembered as an artist often having spurts of vegetarianism, who would ask for the return of his packing materials, often hiding his strict personality. A ruthlessly self-obsessed man, sometimes bitter about 'celebrated' artists. A closet workaholic, driven by obsession, a highly disciplined artist, and an absolute perfectionist.

Published Works

2009-09-18T03:26:00.000-07:00

This was a very exciting week as we saw the releases of ‘Sarkylocks and the Three Bears’ written by multi-award winning comedy writer Dean Wilkinson and illustrated by yours truly. It’s always gratifying to see ones work in print and this was no exception.

‘Sarkylocks and the Three Bears’ is the first title in 21st Century Fairy Folktales series. Short, illustrated, comedy books aimed at 9+ readers. They are modern re-workings of traditional tales, each with a social message.
The book teaches us that ‘It’d be a very boring world if we were all exactly the same, and one young girl finds that out in this hilarious new take on the classic fairy tale. Sarkylocks comes to realise that it’s wrong to lower someone’s self esteem by making jokes about them just because they’re different to what you think people should be like. Sarky learns that differences are to be celebrated, and you yourself will feel a lot happier and more confident if you make someone else feel the same way. One nice word is worth a million nasty ones. The book can be enjoyed at home or in a school environment as each story has it's own set of free lesson plans and lesson fillers for teachers on-line.

Dean Wilkinson has a long successful career writing for British television comedy he was the creator and writer of CBBC TV’s Bad Penny and the smash hit sketch show Stupid. His writing credits include The Big Breakfast, Zig & Zag, Byker Grove, Timmy Towers, Comic Relief, Harry Hill’s Shark Infested Custard and Planet Sketch to name but a few. He was Ant and Dec’s writer and scripted the multi award winning SMTV Live and Chums and he also wrote material and Stephen Fry’s scripts for the Sony game LittleBigPlanet.

For more information about the book and to order your copy please visit www.wilkinsonpress.co.uk the book is also available through Amazon ISBN-13: 978-0956275004

‘ChinaBridge 2009’ by Lindenblatt, Gunnar was also released this month a fascinating inter-cultural guide to investment between China and Central Europe (Austria, Germany and Switzerland) As the book explains that
China is the “workbench” of Europe. Following the big industrial enterprises, now more and more medium-sized companies are locating into China. For years, the Chinese economy has been enjoying annual double-digit growth rates. Conversely, Chinese business people are dealing more confidently in the European market and introducing their own brands. The question remains for those yet to make such a leap weather to conduct a business venture across the divide or not? The first part of this book answers this question and gives specific instructions, not only regarding economic issues but also covering cultural differences, providing knowledge which may be essential to the success of such a venture. Examples of successes and failures in China/European business relationships are found through the publication with many key analyses of the positive and negative aspects and experiences covered. The second part lists companies and institutions, which have already successfully finished the “bridge building” between East and West, from banks to export companies to suppliers.
Also available through Amazon ISBN: 978-0-9563240-0-9

‘Ancient Lights’ By Sir Patrick Moore
Written by legendary Astronomer, National treasure and all round gentleman Sir Patrick Moore when he was just twenty years old but remained unpublished until now!
A wonderful adventure yarn set in a bygone era. Published by STAR-Distribution only 500 were printed each serially numbered not available in the shops only available through STAR-Distribution

Cerebration and Celebration: Off to the Asylum!

2009-09-17T12:57:00.000-07:00

Organised, by the Victorian Steampunk Society The Asylum was the first Steampunk Convivial in the United Kingdom. Held at the Lawn in Lincoln a former psychiatric hospital opened in 1820 the event promised an entertaining weekend Steampunk-ness and they certainly kept their word!

On the Saturday morning I unveiled my latest invention and entry for the grand exhibition’s contraptions contest ‘The Cellular Condenser Ray’ specially constructed to help the naturalist to decrease a dinosaur in its tracks! Once the animal has been reduced it can be contained in a brass cage (also included) assuring high number of live specimen at a fraction of the storage space. The gun seemed to go down well (helped partly by the caged demonstration Tyrannosaurus Rex).

The Cellular Condenser Ray- Gun On show to the good people at the Asylum event © Arfon Jones 2009

As the public viewed the inventions Beth and I attended two fascinating lectures presented by Physicist/ Astrophysicist Dr Emma J King PhD entitled ‘Electromagnetics: The Science and Mystery of Electromagnetism’ and ‘Only Forward: The Physics of Time Travel’. We followed this with a spot of lunch as we watched other attendees play croquet. Having perused the Bazaar Eclectica we then ventured outside and discovered The Sir Joseph Banks Conservatory named in honour of the great British explorer/ naturalist. A truly wonderful place to visit that offered us an excellent opportunity to photograph our costumes in a tropical environment! A cup of tea beneath the palms proceeded with a stroll around the green and then a rest under a Horse-Chestnut tree. We managed to tear ourselves away and enter the hall for the costume competition I did not envy the judges, as they were all amazing

We all reconvened at 7:30pm to attend the Empire Ball. Everyone dressed to impress attractive ladies wearing beautifully made dresses and ball gowns accompanied by gentlemen wearing equally impressive attire as the writer Robert Rankin later commented that we were the best dressed people in the country!
Greeted by the organisers of the event and we then took our seats for an evening of live entertainment…and a few glasses of wine.
The winners of the Contraptions Contest were announced and I was awarded the Brunel award for Ingenuity (of which I proudly excepted!) I wore my medal with pride as I waltzed with my beloved to the music of Ghostfire before the night drew to a close.
And so ended a truly spectacular weekend of art, science and technology! Surrounded by likeminded folk, history and creativity! Met lovely, interesting people saw amazing works.

Supporting my Brunel medal for Ingenuity alongside Andy Dingley winner of the Pugin Medal for Craftsmanship

Operation: Bath Duck

2009-09-17T01:15:00.000-07:00

The idea I had back in 2002 was a simple one. 100 plastic bath ducks complete with a web site information dropped into the sea where they would be carried by the current and would eventually be washed ashore at a different point on the globe. Anyone that discovers a ‘scout duck’ would then log on to the address provided were they would learn of my work and then ‘register’ their duck on the web site. I would have a business card with a difference, one that grants me world-wide adverting. “Why a duck?” I was asked well. Aside from being buoyant a bath duck is also ascetically pleasing guaranteeing that a member of the public would notice it on a beach pick it up and take it home with them a sure way to prevent polluting the beach it was washed up on.
Two ferrying companies were contacted and asked if they would participate in the experiment allowing the use of their vessels to introduce the ducks to the ocean. Both declined, expressed concerns about “dumping” plastic into the ocean (although, they would not object if I were to throw a bottle) I pointed out that a member of the public would pick up a duck. They didn’t want to know. The experiment was put on hold.

2009, Operation: Bath Duck was still an idea on paper. On reflection I had grown concerned of the environmental risks poised to marine life, which may try to eat the ducks before they made it ashore. Having reviewed the experiment I was confidant that that a bath duck would be taken home if located so I decided that the ‘scout ducks’ would instead be strategically placed around the globe. These were ‘business cards’ after all, and business cards are usually left or given to another! Now living in an age were we all have cameras in our phones and photos can be uploaded to computers I decided that having discovered the duck the new owner could also submit a photograph of the duck’s new home when registering it. Operation: Bath Duck was in effect!

The success of the experiment depended largely on the internet, I decided to use the social networking sites and invite people to vote for the most eye pleasing colour for a bath duck, this being an important factor as they needed to be noticed by a member of the public. The colours were ‘classic yellow’ or ‘green’ interestingly the winning colour was green. Scout Ducks were to be green wearing a tag with the experiment written out on one side, contact details on the other with a serial number located on the base.

That was 2 months ago, Operation Bath Duck is in effect. 4 Scout Ducks have reported back.
Images are being uploaded to the gallery and a group has been set up on facebook allowing its members the opportunity to monitor progress, and upload other photos of their scout ducks adventures.