Fowle, Frederick Fred

1914

1983

Frederick (Fred) George Fowle aka Futuristic Fred, was one of the most sought after fairground artists of the twentieth century. Fred became renowned for his innovative and futuristic free hand lettering and scroll work, thus his nickname. His work mimicked movement and 3D effects and signalled a departure from heavier styles, which looked backwards for inspiration, by firmly and optimistically embracing modernity. Fred’s style defied the previous artistic canons when society looked to move forward and break away from the norm and replicated the promise of the thrill of the ride and a newfound appetite for speed and change.

For more information about him, read this biography available via the University of Sheffield: https://archives.shef.ac.uk/agents/people/523