HUDDERSFIELD : Three Things We Learned from an Evening with Artist Peter O’Toole
“It’s Victoria Tower from Castle Hill,” Peter O’Toole said, pointing to the projector image behind him.
Upon hearing this startling revelation, the audience let out a collective gasp.
As the shock dissipated, a voice from the back of the room whispered, “Of course…”
Okay, we know what you’re thinking.
What room? Which audience? Where is Victoria Tower? Why is it so important? Is this another Ratatouille anecdote? I hate contrived cold openings like this!
Well, here are the answers to your questions in order:
Magic Rock Taproom. Around 50 modernists and fellow travellers. It’s Huddersfield’s most conspicuous and beloved landmark. Not that Peter O’Toole; we’re talking about the illustrator and designer. Bear with us, we’re trying to be cute.
You see, Peter had just informed everyone that the chocolate flake on the Dixons Milk Ices logo — which he had designed with co-conspirator Adam Gill — was in fact a nod to the Victorian monument.
Mind-blowing, right? Even the compère, broadcaster Matt Roberts, was briefly stunned into silence — and he’s known Peter for years.
Midcentury meets modern
Would you believe us if we said this was just one of the profound insights to which Peter treated the crowd on the evening of 18th July?
You ought to, because over the past 15 years, he’s developed a unique and instantly recognisable style, combining the aesthetics of midcentury print with modern tools, methods, and sensibilities. His work has appeared on pretty much everything from clothing and packaging to LPs and magazine covers. This originality and versatility has won him a list of impressive clients — though he hasn’t worked with The Modernist yet, so let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
Anyhow, here are three further pearls of wisdom that he shared with us on the night.
- Look around you
Peter explained that early in his career, he feared he might struggle to make a name for himself because he chose to stay in Huddersfield rather than move to a big city.
He went on to reveal that, on the contrary, his deep attachment to his hometown and its surroundings has been a significant part of his success. By embracing the peculiar and particular character of his own small corner of the world, Peter has been able to draw unique inspiration for his work, from the distinctive twentieth-century branding of Ben Shaws to the ever-present tension between windswept moorland and dark Satanic mills.
All this has given his work a genuine sense of authenticity and helped him carve out a well-defined niche in the graphic design industry. It’s no coincidence that Peter was asked to redesign the Dixons logo or that the Kirklees Stadium is surrounded by his Huddersfield Town-themed illustrations.
- Don’t follow trends
Peter advised budding artists to avoid trends like the plague.
He argued that they’re fleeting by their very nature and that following them often leaves artwork feeling dated or uninspired within a short time-frame. Instead, he encouraged people to lean into a singular or ageless style that reflects their own interests and context. That way, whatever they draw or paint or sculpt has a better chance of enduring long after the current novelties have faded.
Peter observed that his own career is a testament to this philosophy. He was always drawn to midcentury and late twentieth-century design — a passion that he cultivated over the years by rescuing old newspapers, shoe-boxes, and football shirts. This allowed him to build up a personal archive of reference materials, which in turn influenced his technique, media, and aesthetic.
Naturally, we agree. After all, what’s more timeless than an Otl Aicher pictogram or a set of Eames playing cards?
- Chase dreams (not money)
We have it on good authority that money makes the world go round. But according to Peter, it rarely inspires great art.
True success, he contends, comes from staying true to your obsessions, preoccupations, and artistic vision. Financial rewards might follow as a result, but if they don’t, well, at least you had fun along the way.
Case in point number one: Peter spent years drawing Adidas trainers because…he really likes Adidas trainers. He never thought he’d work for the German firm or receive a guided tour of their hallowed vault in Herzogenaurach. But that’s exactly what happened after they came across his compositions — and he went onto design his own signature pair of sneakers, too (no, really!).
Case in point number two: In 2016, Peter found himself swept up in the wave of enthusiasm surrounding new Huddersfield Town boss David Wagner. Inspired by the club’s ‘Wagner Revolution’ slogan, he created some retro constructivist posters on a whim and posted them online. Within days, the club had noticed them and invited Peter to work on a series of fan clappers, turning an hour or two of personal amusement into a long-lasting professional partnership.
Now, if we just keep publishing our sketches of Farnley Hey on Instagram…
—
The Huddersfield Modernist Society organised an audience with Peter O’Toole at Magic Rock Taproom on the evening of 18th July. The event was hosted by experienced journalist and broadcaster Matt Roberts. Special thanks to everyone who attended and to Noah for sorting out the sound system.