Tom Purvis

Tom Purvis was a prominent British commercial artist and painter, widely regarded as one of the most influential poster designers of the 20th century. Often called the “King of the Hoardings,” he was celebrated for a minimalist style that used bold, flat colours and simplified shapes to communicate messages instantly to passersby.

He was responsible for a number of iconic London & North Eastern Railway (LNER) posters produced from 1923 to 1945. His  ‘East Coast Joys’ series of 1931, featured six posters that formed a continuous seaside scene when displayed together. They are considered to be some of the celebrated railway art ever produced.

Purvis came to work at the Pleasure Beach via his association with Joseph Emberton who was busy with Leonard Thompson’s radical transformation of the park in the 1930s. Purvis was involved in the decoration of many of the buildings created as part of this scheme.

His most enduring contribution is that of a character who evolved into one of the most synonymous symbols of the park. ‘Ice Drome Jack’ was featured on many advertising materials for the early seasons of the Ice Parade and in the 1970s, was transformed into Mr Funshine who served as the primary mascot of the park until the rebrand of 2006.

His work is still visible in the Casino and Arena. Purvis died in 1959.