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Stanley Kubrick features again in St Albans’ Childwickbury Arts Fair

Graffiti artists at work on the tribute to Stanley Kubrick, Childwickbury in St Albans Archant

Last year the ‘ghost’ of legendary filmmaker Stanley Kubrick was featured giving the thumb’s up in a new portrait being painted by his widow, Christiane, at their St Albans home.

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Close You currently have JavaScript disabled, functionality will be limited Childwickbury Arts Fair 2015 Childwickbury Art festival Christiane Kubrick at work Childwickbury Art festival Sculpture by Christian Funnell Graffitti artists at work Childwickbury Art festival Artist Gerard Bellaiche by his work Fiona Booy from Dacorum Potters Guild showing Hope Loasby 9 how to throw a pot Wood carver Ian Sanders Jennie Gilbert creates pottery Jenny Wheatley with her picec 'Travel Chest' Graffiti artists at work on the tribute to Stanley Kubrick, Childwickbury in St Albans















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This year’s Childwickbury Arts Fair saw the iconic director once again feature prominently as spray paint was used to recreate famous scenes, including from The Shining, 2001: A Space Odyssey and Full Metal Jacket.

St Albans spray painter John Feeney, who completed graphic design work on Flash Gordon, said that he and fellow artists from the Kraken Collective “decided on a Kubrick theme” in honour of their energetic host and her late husband.

Tommy Fiendish, one of over 60 artists meeting at the country estate for the 12th annual arts fair, said he “was not good with words but I’m good with my hands – art is my form of expression.

“I don’t like labels; I’m not a street artist - just call me a bloke who enjoys painting. A lot of my work is a view of my own life, or what I have learned.”

Watching Tommy, John and other artists in action was Christiane, who paused from her own painting to watch the gradual depiction of scenes from Stanley’s films.

She and Stanley, who died in 1999, moved to Childwickbury Estate in 1978.

With thousands of people visiting the annual event yet again, Christiane said: “We are serious about art and the fact we’re continually building on the success of previous fairs shows that an event like ours is well received and respected in Hertfordshire.

“By presenting art in such a unique and relaxed environment we abandon the formalities of expensive art galleries and turn original art into something that is truly for everyone.”

Her comments were echoed by her equally artistic daughter, Katharina Kubrick, who was painting alongside her mum.

The painter-jeweller said: “The fair gives locals from St Albans, and people from Herts, the ability to see artists from all over the country while they work. Visitors can ask questions and learn from us.

“The quality of work is incredibly high and it’s a very select, hand-picked group representing as many art forms as we can, from those who work with metal, to wood, recycled material and glass.”

Katharina added: “Kids love it as they have a hands-on experience here, and it’s a very safe environment; it’s art in action.”

Asked why she became an artist, Katharina joked: “Because I’m no good at maths.”

Among first-timers exhibiting at the fair was potter Jennie Gilbert, of Salisbury.

She said: “I came here because it is something different, and it’s nice that there is so much food, music and art in one place.”

Visitors were able to get a hands-on experience working with clay, helped by the Dacorum and Chiltern Potters Guild.

Member Fiona Booy said: “The guild has over 100 members including from St Albans and Harpenden - it’s an eclectic mix of hobbyists, scientists and people from all walks of life; we are a friendly bunch.”

Membership of the guild is open to anyone with an interest in pottery and sculpture.