1950 - 2006

Shown here is the artwork John produced for the 2006 Who Convention. It was a measure of the man that when asked if he would consider doing this for us, he agreed straight away. John also organised the memorabilia exhibition too, bringing with him many items from his own collection, in addition to calling on all of his friends to contribute items.

 

ZyWeb

The main design is based on the drumhead logo of the sixties. The perspective lines to the bases of the "Ben-Hur" style lettering are suggested by the seventies/eighties laser beams. The twin cherubs are redrawn as baroque plaster decorations in reference to the architecture of Bush Hall. The "The" in "The 2006 WHO Convention" is from the free poster for "The Who Sell Out". The arrow on the "O" of "WHO" is of course in reference to the correct way of presenting their name. (For interest, the symbol is a mediaeval one representing the shield and spear of Mars. Not only did it stand for the planet, but also for the metal iron, as well as masculinity. It also expresses the astrological character of Mars as Solar and ascending.) The number 2006 is based on four "Circles". The pier in the background is not precisely any particular one, it was constructed from details of the one in the original "Quadrophenia" booklet, but the reference is naturally to the seaside/mod ideas well-known to Who fans. The sea itself carries the mystical overtones derived from eastern philosophy which was the real driving forc behind the images in Quad and other Townshend works. The members of the Who themselves are represented, two in heaven, two on earth, by four creatures, though not necessarily the ones I usually used. John's is the three starred belt of Orion because a similar device appears on his family's arms, and because of a connection between "The Ox" and that constellation. The Moon as you would expect is for Keith. "Birdman" Pete has a sea-bird while Piscean Roger, he of the fishing lakes and angling, has a jumping fish. The Who were represented in this oblique way because nowadays it's a bit of a problem to know exactly who The Who are, in the minds of each of those who would be attending the convention! The overall effect of the poster was inspired by 1930's travel posters, notably some for the Southern Railway promoting the merits of the South coast resorts, the dark, starry sky theme referred to deaf dumb, blind, but truly aware Tommy, and the lighted water in the background is meant to convey promise for the future, being a pre-sunrise effect (Although it's in the wrong direction for a south coast pier!). JOHN DAVIS 2006


The Organisers of the 2006 Who convention are making the Posters and Programmes from the convention available as a tribute to Artist and fellow Who fan John Davis. Sadly on Sunday 23rd July John died as the result of a car accident. The cover of the programme and the posters that accompanied them were designed for us by John. See above for John's explanation of the imagery used in his painting.

All profits from the sale of these programmes will be donated to the Swindon Air Ambulance who tried in vain to save John's life. So all you Who fans out there please take time off from debating the new Who songs and buying tickets to your next gig, and spare a moment to think of one of our own. By purchasing this fine piece of Who memorabilia you will not only own a fine piece of Who artwork you will be donating some cash to a worthy cause. RIP John, You will be missed.

These are the official Limited Edition Programmes and Posters as sold at the Who Convention held at the Bush Hall in Shepherds Bush on April 1st. The highlight of which was the surprise appearance of Roger Daltrey who made a short speech and played 2 songs with Simon Townshend (Substitute and Behind Blue Eyes). Each 48 page Programme is of high quality, individually numbered and features a Foreword by Roger Daltrey as well as an introduction by Pete Townshend. The cover is a design by artist John Davis whose work appears in 'The Decade of The Who' book. There are also articles by Who associates including Irish Jack Lyons, Cy Langston, Doug Sandom etc, as well as many unseen photos. There are also features on the bands that appeared on the day Inc Who's Who, The Wholigans and Casbah Club. These are the last few remaining and are being sold by the Convention Organisers; all profits will go to The
Swindon Air Ambulance. GET ONE WHILE YOU CAN!
 

Home
Order of Service
Irish Jack Tribute
LEG II AVG
E-Mail

 


[Page visit counter]
Built by ZyWeb, the best online web page builder. Click for a free trial.