Page12-Growing up in London Project-Mixed media

Comments

Lovely work Lewis.

Posted by Michael Mcmanus on Sat 30 Mar 08:28:10

Lewis, I'm sure everyone is like me when they read your story, they relate it to themselves, And yes, a visit to Billy Smart's circus, which visited the Town Moor ( Newcastle ) each year. What I remember most were the lions, so near, in their cage, that feeling of awe and fear. Your dad must have been quite a character for volunteering, what a memory to have.

Posted by Marjorie Firth on Sat 30 Mar 08:29:36

Fantastic story Lew ,great for the book and what a character your dad must have been. Brilliant illustrating as ever.

Posted by Jim Morris on Sat 30 Mar 08:57:37

You're cracking on nicely with this project Lew, superbly illustrated by a skilled hand.

Posted by Alan Bickley on Sat 30 Mar 09:06:45

Wasn't sure about posting this page, just a personal memory of my Dad. But I guess it's all about how things have changed...and circuses like this are a thing of the past. Thanks very much to those who've commented, much appreciated.

Posted by Lewis Cooper on Sat 30 Mar 09:22:45

Glad you did post it Lew. We went to visit family in Ireland when we were kids and my dad walked across to a large horse in a field and rode it around without saddle or bridle. My brother and me were so impressed we actually sat on a donkey. I still have the photograph. (-:

Posted by Jim Morris on Sat 30 Mar 10:10:05

Great stuff as usual Lewis.

Posted by Carole Kelly on Sat 30 Mar 10:24:04

What a great story and a great dad I'm sure this is going to be a great seller Lewis

Posted by Dennis Rounding on Sat 30 Mar 11:12:20

Another great episode supported by marvellous art work. Brilliant, Lewis! Bri

Posted by Brian J Mackay on Sat 30 Mar 11:33:21

What a great chap your dad must have been. This story made me laugh as we all remember Billy Smarts circus coming to town, so exciting. It horrifying now to think what those poor animals had to put up with. Your book is getting better and better Lewis.

Posted by Margaret Beynon on Sat 30 Mar 14:42:25

Hi Lewis you've found your niche here Lewis, it all seems very professional and it's great fun . You do tell the story well and it could go on to be a very popular book . Your sketches are wonderful and perfect for this sort of thing , good luck with it Lewis.

Posted by dennis roberts on Sat 30 Mar 15:09:39

Thanks again to you all for taking the trouble to comment...it's very encouraging.

Posted by Lewis Cooper on Sat 30 Mar 16:37:38

Sounds like you had a really fun childhood, Lewis! Another lovely illustration.

Posted by Jenny Harris on Sat 30 Mar 17:52:40

Another great page! Look forward to reading these, Lew :)

Posted by Margaret Nisbet on Sat 30 Mar 20:16:15

Fantastic memories for you, rekindled memories for the folk who read your stories, but most importantly, a legacy. Brilliant, just brilliant.

Posted by Carolyn Parkinson on Sat 30 Mar 23:49:51

Love your dad...brilliant.

Posted by Sylvia Evans on Sun 31 Mar 06:42:47

A great story Lewis, I can just see your Dad flying through the air :)

Posted by Val Kenyon on Sun 31 Mar 12:09:27

Hang on Studio Wall

30/03/2019

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Thought I should say something about my Dad. He always insisted on 'joining in' as he put it. This visit to the Circus was an example...I remember it well. Brother Mike was with us, Ray was too young to go. It was Billy Smart's circus, completed with lions, tigers, elephants and everything that's not PC these days. Quite a spectacle. When Dad took us to the new holiday camps that were opening up, he'd be first in the queue to do amateur night. He'd play his mouth organ. Dad could play about two tunes very well, then it all got 'experimental'. He'd also join anything else that was going...nobbly-knees contests, fancy dress, he'd be in there 'joining in.'

About the Artist

Lewis Cooper

Self taught. Love drawing. Like to make pictures up, without using reference pics, often in cartoon style. I do other pictures where I do use reference. I'm knocking on a bit, born in 1940 in Greenwich, London. Retired, and loving it.

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