Dalzell Distributors

(Hidden high street series)

Dalzell Distributors captures the eccentric charm and unapologetic energy of an old-fashioned, crammed-to-the-rafters clothing shop, while playfully reimagining its most striking feature: the oversized pair of trousers once displayed outside with the sign proclaiming a “massive trouser sale”. This silkscreen print transforms a quirky anecdote into a bold visual narrative, celebrating the humour and character that define such local institutions.

At the heart of the work is the monumental pair of trousers—rendered in a striking, pure blue that radiates confidence and clarity. The exaggerated scale of the trousers dominates the composition, transforming a mundane object into a near-abstract icon. The graphic simplicity of the lines and shapes is carefully balanced to convey both the essence of the trousers and a sense of flow and movement.

The delineated lines recall markings on a sports field, evoking the shop’s packed interior as an arena that must be traversed. This subtle connection adds a dynamic layer to the composition, drawing a parallel between the physical constraints of the space and the lively energy of navigating its crowded aisles.

The addition of the red sale sign, repeating the word “SALE” in a looping, attention-grabbing script, adds an element of urgency and wit. The bold red against the blue echoes the loud and unabashed energy of retail signage, while subtly critiquing the consumer culture it represents. This pairing of boldness and humour invites viewers to smile while reflecting on the delightful absurdity of such salesmanship.

The work is intentionally minimal yet layered with meaning. Beneath the playful exterior lies a reflection on the ingenuity of small, independent shops, their ability to make the most of limited space, and the eccentricities that make them endearing and unforgettable.

Within the Hidden High Street series, Dalzell Distributors stands out as a work that embraces humour and abstraction while remaining firmly rooted in the celebration of local culture. It is a tribute to the character and creativity of high street shops, where even a pair of trousers can inspire stories, smiles, and unexpected connections.

This work is from the Hidden High Street series - an exploration of the often unnoticed spaces and everyday encounters that form the essence of our shared communities.

Read more about the Hidden High Street series here

Produced as a limited edition - hand‑pulled in the studio, this work is signed/stamped and numbered to ensure their authenticity and collectability. Each edition is created using traditional silkscreen techniques on archival paper, with every layer printed by hand.

Collectors can choose to acquire these works in two forms:

• On Paper — the edition in its purest state, unframed, offering flexibility for personal presentation.

• Artist‑Framed — mounted and framed by the artist, using bespoke methods to present the work as a complete, ready‑to‑hang artwork.

This dual approach allows the work to be appreciated either as a print to be lived with and framed to taste, or as a finished object crafted entirely within the artist’s practice.

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