Smiley riot shield 2nd Class
Fine art Giclee made using high quality light fast inks on matt stock paper.
limited edition numbered in pencil 1 of 200.
Dimensions 30.5 cm x 33 cm.
Rubber stamped I Protest The Cautese National Postal Disservice in red ink & in black ink Limited Edition Stamp of Mass Destruction.
Condition is excellent stored flat from new.
Purchased from Jimmies spiritual home the L-13 gallery, Clerkenwell, London circa 2019.
powerful and iconic artwork by James Cauty, a foundational figure in British art and music, best known for his work with The KLF. For fans of artists like Banksy, Cauty's work is essential, as he is a pioneer of the same anti-establishment art movement that later rose to global prominence. This print combines two of Cauty's most recognized themes: the 'Smiley Riot Shield' and his provocative postal stamp designs. The '3rd Class' classic element of Cauty's satirical style.
This piece blends the rebellious spirit of the riot shields with the subversive, everyday format of a postage stamp. It connects the historical struggle for justice, symbolized by the Peterloo Massacre, with a punk-rock critique of established institutions. The artwork is a masterclass in Cauty's signature style of blending humor, anti-authoritarianism, and deep-rooted political commentary.
This is a must-have for any collector interested in politically charged art, British counter-culture, or the enduring legacy of The KLF.
The History Behind the Art
The Peterloo Massacre: This artwork directly commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Peterloo Massacre. On August 16, 1819, a peaceful protest in Manchester, England, saw a cavalry charge into a crowd of up to 80,000 people demanding parliamentary reform. It remains one of the most brutal and infamous events in British civil history, a potent symbol of state violence against the people. By linking his art to Peterloo, Cauty elevates the 'Smiley Riot Shield' from a simple design into a powerful political statement.
The Smiley Face Legal Battle & Acid Culture: The use of the smiley face is also a commentary on its disputed ownership. The iconic image was first created by Harvey Ball in 1963, but was later trademarked by Franklin Loufrani in 1971, leading to decades of legal battles over its rights. Cauty's use of the symbol—a contested corporate image—on a riot shield transforms it from a tool of commerce into a flag for rebellion, but also a symbol of acid house culture, adding a layer of ironic depth to the work.
Smiley riot shield 2nd Class
Fine art Giclee made using high quality light fast inks on matt stock paper.
limited edition numbered in pencil 1 of 200.
Dimensions 30.5 cm x 33 cm.
Rubber stamped I Protest The Cautese National Postal Disservice in red ink & in black ink Limited Edition Stamp of Mass Destruction.
Condition is excellent stored flat from new.
Purchased from Jimmies spiritual home the L-13 gallery, Clerkenwell, London circa 2019.
powerful and iconic artwork by James Cauty, a foundational figure in British art and music, best known for his work with The KLF. For fans of artists like Banksy, Cauty's work is essential, as he is a pioneer of the same anti-establishment art movement that later rose to global prominence. This print combines two of Cauty's most recognized themes: the 'Smiley Riot Shield' and his provocative postal stamp designs. The '3rd Class' classic element of Cauty's satirical style.
This piece blends the rebellious spirit of the riot shields with the subversive, everyday format of a postage stamp. It connects the historical struggle for justice, symbolized by the Peterloo Massacre, with a punk-rock critique of established institutions. The artwork is a masterclass in Cauty's signature style of blending humor, anti-authoritarianism, and deep-rooted political commentary.
This is a must-have for any collector interested in politically charged art, British counter-culture, or the enduring legacy of The KLF.
The History Behind the Art
The Peterloo Massacre: This artwork directly commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Peterloo Massacre. On August 16, 1819, a peaceful protest in Manchester, England, saw a cavalry charge into a crowd of up to 80,000 people demanding parliamentary reform. It remains one of the most brutal and infamous events in British civil history, a potent symbol of state violence against the people. By linking his art to Peterloo, Cauty elevates the 'Smiley Riot Shield' from a simple design into a powerful political statement.
The Smiley Face Legal Battle & Acid Culture: The use of the smiley face is also a commentary on its disputed ownership. The iconic image was first created by Harvey Ball in 1963, but was later trademarked by Franklin Loufrani in 1971, leading to decades of legal battles over its rights. Cauty's use of the symbol—a contested corporate image—on a riot shield transforms it from a tool of commerce into a flag for rebellion, but also a symbol of acid house culture, adding a layer of ironic depth to the work.
