Cool Blues

The saxophone player in Cool Blues is Tom McGuinness’ eldest son, Shaun. He learned to play the saxophone after becoming inspired by jazz-funk music in his late teens.

Perhaps the street behind Shaun is a reference to the artist’s birthplace of Witton Park. The surrounding dereliction is reminiscent of the area’s decline and the demolition of its streets following its unpopular categorisation as a ‘Category D’ village.

Gemini Collection, Zurbarán Trust

ArtistTom McGuinness

Year1988

MediumEtching and aquatint