Amrit and Rabindra Singh are Wirral based artists who have
staged their own contemporary revival of the tradition of Indian
miniature watercolour painting, attracting an international
following for their work within the contemporary art world. Their
colourful canvases are bursting with exquisite details that tackle
the modern day issues of culture and identity, with more than a
hint of quirk and humour.
Following their recent recreation of the Liverpool coat of arms
to celebrate the city’s official 800th birthday, on permanent
display at St George’s Hall, they are now working on a new
commission to mark the city’s year as European Capital of Culture
which is due to be unveiled this year.
Adding to their success, they have recently received an Arts
Council England Award to produce an animation about the Liverpool
coat of arms painting.
What was your first/best experience of going to a
gallery or museum?
The opening of our retrospective exhibition at the Walker Art
Gallery in Liverpool — it was the culmination of a lot of things
for us.
What’s your favourite painting/piece of
art/sculpture?
Amrit: Perseus and Andromeda by Frederic Leighton in the
Victorian Gallery at the Walker
Rabindra: Hans Holbein’s portrait of Henry VIII at the
Walker
What was your first/best experience of going to the
theatre?
Our first experience was seeing The Nutcracker at the Liverpool
Empire. The best was probably Fiddler on the Roof with Topol. We
waited outside the stage door for his autograph!
Do you have a favourite Northwest local
food?
Marigold’s fish and chip shop in West Kirby on the Wirral side.
We take all our visitors there — from India, America and all
over.
Can you suggest a ‘hidden gem’ in your home
town/neighbourhood?
Eastham Ferry on the Wirral has an old Victorian fountain and a
bearpit hidden in the woods — not many people know about it.
What’s the one thing in your home town/neighbourhood
that people really shouldn’t miss if they go there?
Lady Lever Art Gallery on the Wirral.
Was there anything particular about Northwest culture
that inspired you to do what you’ve done/what you do
now?
The Liverpool cityscape is really inspirational to us,
especially The Three Graces, which we feature in a lot of our
work.
Bunny Men or Diddy Men?
Bunny Men
Morrissey or McCartney?
McCartney
Peter Blake or Peter Saville?
Peter Blake
Beatrix Potter or Brian Potter?
Beatrix Potter
Welcome to the Pleasure Beach or Welcome to the Pleasure
Dome?
Pleasure Beach
Eccles Cake or Kendal Mint Cake?
Kendal Mint Cake