In reference to Neil Arnold: Notes from Norfolk, with regards to pub signs with cryptozoological themes. Last year I was very lucky to purchase the pub sign from 'The Mermaid' Inn, Portland at a car boot sale in Dorchester. I was very surprised to find it only to learn the sad truth that the 'Mermaid Inn' closed in 2009 and after a long time standing boarded up work had began in 2010 to turn the inn into a house.The local folk story, that gave the pub its name, occured one morning during the 18th Century. When a mermaid was found on the shingle beach at Church Ope Cove, as the people were going to a service at St. Andrew's Church. The creature's body was said to have ben taken up to the church, where she susquently died at noon. (http://www.darkdorset.co.uk/mermaid_of_church_ope_cove)
The current depiction of the mermaid on this sign that I own (and there h
ave been other signs in the Mermaid Inn's history) is based on this painting, I believe is an interior book plate for Hans Christian Anderson's 'The Little Mermaid. Do any of the readers have any ideas on who the illustrator is?
ave been other signs in the Mermaid Inn's history) is based on this painting, I believe is an interior book plate for Hans Christian Anderson's 'The Little Mermaid. Do any of the readers have any ideas on who the illustrator is?
The illustrator is Troy Howell.
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