RKL Tools

(Hidden high street series)

RKL Tools transforms a mundane hardware shop object into the protagonist of an explosive, almost cinematic moment, blending humour, nostalgia, and dynamic visuals to create a vibrant homage to the high street. Inspired by the RKL Tools hardware shop, this silkscreen print captures the essence of such businesses while layering it with playful imagination and personal touch.

The central motif—a spray bottle adorned with a price tag reading "RKL TOOLS £2.39"—anchors the work in the utilitarian context of the store. However, it is the exaggerated action surrounding the object that brings the piece to life. The large, stylised "SPLASH" and the accompanying narrative caption, "VAL SQUEEZED THE TRIGGER AND... BOOM!" propel the everyday into the extraordinary, transforming a simple spray bottle into a source of drama and intrigue. The piece balances the functional with the fantastical, elevating a scene of practicality to a moment of theatrical excitement.

The visual style draws heavily on graphic, comic-book-inspired aesthetics. Enlarged Letratone dots provide texture and nostalgic appeal, while the bold colour contrasts lend an immediacy and energy to the composition. The use of silkscreen allows for precise layering and interplay of forms, creating a sense of movement that leaps off the surface. This combination of traditional print techniques with modern, dynamic visuals reflects the work’s dual identity—rooted in craft while embracing the irreverence and playfulness of Pop Art traditions.

RKL Tools stands out within the Hidden High Street series for its humour and lively tone. Where other works may delve into introspection or social critique, this piece celebrates the delight of turning the everyday into something extraordinary. It asks the viewer to consider the hidden stories of the high street, where even a spray bottle can become the star of its own narrative. Through its bold visuals and engaging storytelling, "RKL Tools" captures the spirit of creativity and discovery found in both hardware shops and the imaginations of those who use them.

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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