RIP Sir Bernard Lovell, OBE, FRS (1913-2012)

Very sad to hear that pioneering astronomer, physicist, and British legend (not to mention one of my heroes) Sir Bernard Lovell died on the 6 August aged 98.  Bristol born Sir Bernard founded one of my favourite man-made structures, the third largest steerable telescope in the world The Lovell Telescope based at Jodrell Bank, Cheshire. Back in 2010 I featured Sir Bernard in my September Science Spotlight,

“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.”

Being one of my sanctuaries I have been to Jodrell Bank many times and still marvel at the Lovell Telescope for both its sheer size and accomplishment, it now stands as a testament to a great man’s determination find out more about the Universe. RIP Sir Alfred Charles Bernard Lovell, OBE, FRS (1913-2012)

© Arfon Jones 2012. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Blog Post #0

We are rapidly approaching the 100th post and looking back over them I realised that this blog just suddenly happened one day. There was no warning, no introduction or explanation as to who I was or exactly what it was that I ‘did’. True reading the previous posts might shed some light but that is quite a hefty amount of reading to expect of someone! So I thought I would write this comic book- esque issue#0 origin story to serve as an ‘introduction’ to any curious internet user…

I am Arfon Jones and I am an artist/ illustrator based in North Wales in the United Kingdom. I was raised on a healthy diet of 1980’s –90’s television. I also read comics, played with toys and games and created things!  Drawing has always been important to me I am hard pushed to think of a time when I wasn’t drawing or working on something be it drawing, clay sculpture or a puppet of some sort.
I delighted in the works of Tex Avery, Chuck Jones, William Hanna and Joe Barbara, Max Fleischer and Walt Disney and decided that I wanted to become a cartoonist. For several years I worked on my drawing skills taking influence from the countless television shows I watched and the comics I read. A year after the release of the movie Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, a true inspiration to me that strengthened my passion for cartoons, I watched the tv special Happy Birthday Garfield a documentary dedicated to the tenth anniversary of the Garfield comic strip. Hosted by its creator Jim Davis it opened my eyes to the world of comic strips and animation altering my vocation slightly I wished to pursue a career that would allow me to work in both fields. During the early 1990’s I became interested in American superhero comics, in particular the DC and Marvel catalogues, during which I worked at a vintage comic mail order company during evenings and school holidays, proving to be another major influence on my style
 
In 1995 I enrolled in Art College and studied at Coleg Menai, Bangor where I achieved a National Diploma in Graphic Design then graduating from the University of Wales with a Bachelor of Arts in Illustration. Unfortunately most of my lecturers had differing opinions on what ‘art’ was and this caused many a crossed sword at times causing frustration for me, (but making the few creative people I came into contact with shine all the brighter). Being stubborn I continued my work and developed my style.  During this time I kept myself busy by working on outside commissions being hired for both television and media working on illustrations, comic strips and animation concept art acquainting myself with the world of deadlines.  As I grew older I abandoned the prospect of becoming an animator realising that I much preferred to be in full control of my own ideas and develop them myself. I taught myself how to paint in acrylics and concentrated my efforts on creating single pieces of work and settled on being an artist/ illustrator.
That was 1999. I continued to do so to this day and my work has been publicly displayed and used in various publications I have also illustrated a range of books, comics, album covers, posters, logo designs and private portraits. Although I work mostly in acrylic and pens I also work in three-dimensions.

 I draw inspiration from the things I grew up with as a child classic cartoons, television shows, music, comics, retro computer games and toys. I have a fascination for many aspects of popular culture and what most regard as kitsch or even “tacky” along with an interest in both history and science and the way they are used to educate.
  I have a devotion for classic cinema particular the comedies of Laurel and Hardy and The Marx Brothers along with all vintage horror and science fiction movies ranging from the Gothic horrors of the 1930 – 40’s to the atomic and “B” movies of the 1950’s. Everything produced by the Hammer Horror studios and the cult classic horror films of the 1980’s tapering off at the end of the 1990’s 
If it features an ancient castle, wronged scientist, robots, mutants, dinosaurs, giant insects or alien invasions it has my undivided attention, I try to bring these in to my work, incorporating a sense of fun.
Over the years my craft has allowed me the opportunity to meet and work with the people that have inspired me and brought me into contact with many other creative/like-minded people from around the globe.

 © Arfon Jones 2012. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

The Midsummer Masque Ball

We had dear friends Rachel and Andy up for the weekend three weeks back and we celebrated the summer solstice at the beautiful Glynllifon Mansion for its first Midsummer Masque Ball. Being based in North Wales I am no stranger to Glynllifon and its gardens but I hadn’t been to the house for many years so I was looking forward to visiting it again. The theme of the ball, Shakespeare’s Midsummer Nights Dream.
 Beth decided to go as midsummer night itself wearing a lovely blue sequin dress, finished off with Chiffon scarf that she applied stars to. This was attached via a moon broach. To match her dress I customised her mask, which she finished off with strands blue ribbon. To complete the evening sky effect she even wore a single Saturn earring and applied more stars to her hair. The ball website, encouraged guests to come as mythical creatures so I made a griffin mask out of recycled computer print out paper from the studio.  Rachel wore a lovely ball gown complete with fairy wings and Andy went as the Fantastic Mr. Fox!

We made our way there driving beneath the familiar Glynllifon arches and as the car rounded the corner and headed towards the mansion, we were greeted by two Hussars that stood to attention and saluted us! We donned our masks and made our way towards the red carpet (also guarded by more Hussars who were camping in the grounds) after another quick salute we made our way into the magnificent hallway to join the other guests. We saw many creative costumes, everyone had made an effort each one complemented by their surroundings. Between meeting and greeting we went outside to watch the Hussars firing off their cannon! As the mighty bang echoed across the grounds we made our way to a sumptuous buffet followed by the occasional trip to the bar before dancing the night away!
We had a wonderful evening, my compliments to the organisers I sincerely hope to do it again very soon.

© Arfon Jones 2012. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Morning at the Museum

Today I had a fantastic day, I was truly honoured to have been invited along to Bangor University’s Brambell building to look around the University’s natural history museum!
I have always been interested in natural history and always thought it was a great shame that apart from Stone Science in Anglesey there are no natural history museums in North Wales to help nurture any interest children might have in natural science. This little-known collection is occasionally open to the public and school groups so as you can imagine I was in my element browsing through this collection of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects and fish. The collection started out in the 19th century and continued to grow over the years with donations from zoos, circuses and stately homes. What makes this collection doubly exciting is the way in which the exhibits are displayed. The staff have worked hard to make it both informative and accessible to visitors. It retains the air of a bygone era when conservation was unheard of but the specimens are presented in such away that allows the viewer to get up close, a sure way to maintain interest in the natural world in both children and adults.

As I walked in through the main door I was greeted by a collection of eggs and a long line of skeletons, several species made up the line including a gorilla, a tiger, hippopotamus and the skeleton of a baby elephant. Legend has it that this baby elephant belonged to a circus but it died during a visit to Bangor.  Above the skeletons was a vast array of mounted animal heads, staring down from the walls that ranged from the now extinct Irish Elk to a Cape Buffalo. Many of them have their stories included on the mounting base, clearly trophies that have been donated by guilty ancestors, not wanting to be reminded of their family’s sporting past. It is sad to think that these animals died for someone’s leisurely pursuits but personally I find comfort in knowing that these animals will now live on in the museum as a means to educate future generations that will both appreciate, study and conserve these animals.

The collection is divided into several categories with no corner spared, each one highlighting a creature of some shape or form, marvellous representatives of the wonders of nature. All I could do was say ‘fascinating’ and “oh, wow!” as I wondered around the displays. The second floor (with a view overlooking the first floor) of the museum was equally fascinating as this section was devoted to the specimen jars. Rows of jars and tins each one in no apparent order but each one seemed to belong, and each seemed to have a story to tell. Some items may prove a little too much for some visitors such as the rabbit, hedgehog and cat that had been partially dissected with the organs labelled but I thought it was incredibly interesting! As I write this I really can’t focus on one particular element because selecting my favourite from the collection is quite a challenge! The anteater skeleton perhaps? Or maybe the cabinet containing several species of New Zealand birds (Included a Kakapo, which is now under threat of extinction). I was suitably impressed by the narwhal’s tusk, The Elephant trunk preserved in formaldehyde?  I shall cheat and say I liked the whole museum! Before I left I took a moment to examine the various mineral cabinets scattered throughout the museum, which until recently had been in storage I find this interesting as I found the museum itself to be a real hidden gem! My sincere thanks to the University for allowing me this opportunity.

© Arfon Jones 2012. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

My Turing Sunflower

I had hoped to make this a double header sun-themed science thread. 
Unfortunately (if not rather predictably) the weather prevented me from observing the transit of Venus on the 6th. Dense low forming clouds prevented me from seeing this celestial event that will not occur again for over a century! I’m still rather bitter about this so let us hastily move on to the other sun related topic I had intended for this thread, Sunflowers.

I think its safe to say that we have now firmly established that I like science, but did you know that I am also partial to a spot of gardening as well? Well I am, More so if I can combine science and gardening together and that’s just what I have done! Like thousands of others I have planted a Turing sunflower in honour of the great mathematician Alan Turing on this his Centenary year as part of a new research project led by MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry, Manchester)
Alan Turing the famous code-breaker, developer of the Enigma machine and the founder of computer science/ artificial intelligence in his later life became interested in phyllotaxy (the mathematical arrangements of leaves on plant stems) and the spirals on sunflower heads that conform to a Fibonacci number. Turing hoped to explain the ‘Fibonacci phyllotaxis’ but tragically died in 1954 before the work was completed. This year the University of Manchester is encouraging everyone to grow 3000 sunflowers to celebrate life of the great man and complete his work! Mathematicians at The University of Manchester hope to analyse thousands of sunflower heads to test the extent to which they follow the Fibonacci rule, to explain why this happens and the reasons why they sometimes don’t. The results will be announced during Manchester Science Festival (27 October – 4 November 2012) alongside a host of cultural events across Greater Manchester to celebrate Turing’s life.

© Arfon Jones 2012. All images are copyrighted throughout the world

The Jubilee Menai Strait Party

The Jubilee, I love it. It’s one of those rare occasions that this country gets to unite and celebrate its history rather than some silly sporting event that predictably fizzle out at the crucial point. 
Wanting to celebrate the Jubilee with Beth and my daughter (who missed the last one by being born 4months after) we attended a street party with a difference, this year we attended a Strait Party, as it was set on the banks of the Menai Strait! Organised by the National Trust in the grounds of the magnificent Plas Newydd, situated along the Menai strait. This former home of the Marquess of Anglesey provided a historical backdrop and marvellous views of both Snowdonia and The Britannia Bridge for the special day.
We took our seats at the Strait party table and watched the boats sailing along the Strait (although admittedly I was more interested in the Cormorants).  Just as the food was about to be laid out a few drops of rain started to fall BUT this was no problem for me as I had come prepared! I had brought along a little invention of mine, cobbled together the night before ‘The Union Umbrella’ allowing me to be both patriotic and dry at the same time! Once all the food was brought down the sloping lawn via a ‘food chain’ everyone enjoyed a delicious selection of cucumber or coronation chicken sandwiches, pork pies and a selection of cakes! Finished off with a complementary glass of champagne to toast our Royal Highness’s 60th year on the throne.  At one time ‘we’ appeared on television as part of a live link up with ITV coverage of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
We moved on to the lawn to listen to the brass band that delighted the crowd. At one point they played ‘Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines’ as RAF’s Sea King search and rescue helicopter (Of which Prince William now serves as captain) performed a flyover the Strait as the crew waved to the crowd that responded with waving their flags. The weather held back until it was time to leave, and that was our Jubilee celebration! 60 years of the reign of Elizabeth the Second where a good time was had by all.

In the North Wales Chronicle with Beth (and the 'Union Umbrella’)

© Arfon Jones 2012. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Waltz on the Wye 2012: (2 of 2) The Contraption Exhibition

I mentioned in the previous post (in great detail!) how I had a table at the Mechanised Market. As busy as it was I did manage to slink away from the stall for a short time to quickly pop to Chepstow Castle to take some pieces for the contraption exhibition.  A strange thing to do really considering how I didn’t actually have any contraptions this year!  The truth is that I wanted to make full use of this glorious location and introduce the public to my newest creations. So I took along some exhibits from my ever growing collection of ‘Wonderments and Atrocities’ the ‘Womblus Wimbledon Vulgaris’, ‘Mus Digitatus’ and The Finger of Paul Daniels.I then ‘hung around’ incognito for a short time to observe people’s reactions, which pleased me as they achieved the exact response I was hoping for.

Photographs the ‘Womblus Wimbledon Vulgaris’, The Finger of Paul Daniels and ‘Mus Digitatus’
provided by Mr PP Gettins

My creations where in good company this year, standing amongst an amazing array of bright ideas, creative designs and ingenious methods! I had taken several photographs however my atomic blast camera flash didn’t do all of them justice so please forgive me if some pieces do not feature in this blog...There were several returning faces at this year’s exhibition, starting out with Mr. Matt McCall whose hats and goggles never fail to impress. Determined to make up for the poor selection of photographs I had taken of his work last year I took several this time round and here they are.

You will recall that last year’s winner was my arch-nemesis Mr. James Richardson-Brown, with his K-1909. This time he brought another famous robot with him, the Terminator!

I was pleased to see that organiser Andy Dingley had followed up last years ’s Pufferfish lamp with an Inflatable Glow Fish that did just that when you approached its cage! (He was also responsible for the amazing tentacle seen beckoning people into the castle to see the contraptions)

Other favourites included the HMS Victorian Enterprise (I am afraid I didn’t catch the artist’s name if this is you please drop me a line so that I may properly credit you.) and Vincent Swann’s Handyman’s Exo Spine

This exhibition had an extra coup to it this year as it had a special guest artist displaying his work, expert prop maker Mark Cordory! Obviously as a fan of ‘Knightmare’ and ‘Doctor Who’ it was fantastic to be able to see his work up close as each one was a splendour to see.  I sincerely hope to see Mark and his work at future events very soon. Once you have finished with these photos check out his site for further examples.

And the winner of this year’s Best Contrapion prize was awarded to Jarkman for his Skeleton pocket watch. This beautiful time peace was completely custom made from brass and ebony and was quite superb to look at but alas I have no photographs instead I urge you to follow the link and see how he made it! It’s worth noting though that not all fantastic designs and ideas where on display at the exhibition. Aside from the fabulously dressed folk that came in to look at the exhibit Miriam McDonnald (who recently, responding to my work called me the “Butcher of Trumpton”) was due to deliver a talk on how to knit ankle-less socks once she had finished minding the exhibit. As I was unable to attend the talk she very kindly showed them of to me and I thought they where simply marvellous, follow this link for more details and free pattern!

© Arfon Jones 2012. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.