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There are a number of airbrush artists currently working on the funfair scene. Some of the newer breed of ‘digital artists’ tend do design on a computer then have the artwork screen printed. A great system if you need to replace a damaged panel, but it just seems to lack something of the ‘soul’ of the traditional funfair artwork.

A number of artists over the years have decorated numerous rides and stalls etc. Some well known, some almost unheard of, but some became legends in their own lifetime. Fred Fowle commonly known as the ‘Master’, Billy Hall, Fred’s sometime collaborator, and the Howells. All names associated with the golden era of the funfair.

Another master of the brush that can rightfully claim a place alongside such towering figures, is the Derbyshire based Pete Tate.

The Early Years

It is said that Pete began by building and decorating funfair models. It is reputed that the local showmen were impressed by these builds, but not so much by his decoration of them. “Go and see Fred Fowle” seems to be a commonly reported piece of advice doled out to Pete.

Pete had family not far from the Masters workshops, so on visits to see them would drop into Fred’s place. Eventually becoming noted as the last person taught by Fred Fowle.

Tate Decor

Pete’s launch into the decorating business came when he launched Tate Decor, with his first commission to paint the handrails on the twist of noted funfair operator Albert Holland.z

Pete reported that his mentor Fred Fowle offered him the use of his paper patterns. Pre existing designs used to transfer artwork to the actual ride being decorated. Pete however declined this generous offer on the grounds that designing the artwork was actually his favourite part.