- Stock: In Stock
- Artist: Sam Toft
- Model: 4283
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Sam Toft's Curly Wurly's Day Out is an irresistibly warm and humorous limited edition artwork, perfectly showcasing the artist's gift for storytelling and her unmistakable 'wonky donkey' style. One of Britain's most beloved illustrators, Toft has built an entire universe around Ernest Hemingway Mustard, his wife Violet, and their loyal dog Doris-characters who have captured the hearts of collectors for more than two decades. This charming print, created using Sam's signature oil pastel technique, captures the innocent joy of a day spent outdoors, wrapped in the nostalgic comfort and gentle whimsy that define her work.
At the heart of Curly Wurly's Day Out stands a towering vintage helter-skelter, painted in warm stripes of russet red, burnt orange, and soft caramel tones-all colours that call to mind crisp autumn days and childhood adventures. Spiralling around it is a delightful parade of dogs, each one gleefully sliding down the curved chute in Toft's perfectly imperfect style. From long-eared hounds to tiny excitable pups, every dog is full of character, movement, and enthusiasm. Their playful descent becomes a joyful celebration of fun for fun's sake, a reminder of the carefree spirit that runs through so much of Toft's storytelling.
In the foreground, Ernest Mustard stands as the gentle observer of the scene, watching the lively chaos unfold with his characteristic calm and curiosity. Dressed in his familiar overcoat and hat, he holds Doris securely in his arms as she takes in the bustling scene around her. Together, they form a quiet counterbalance to the joyous whirlwind of dogs sweeping down the slide-a tender moment of companionship set against the lively backdrop.
Toft's layered oil pastel technique brings texture and tactility to the artwork, with soft scraped-back marks and delicate shading giving depth to the helter-skelter, the figures, and the surrounding atmosphere. The piece is drenched in autumnal hues-rich browns, muted reds, and earthy oranges-which add a sense of seasonal cosiness and nostalgia. Though lively and playful, the artwork maintains that gentle stillness that Toft captures so beautifully: a world where moments unfold slowly, quietly, and with heartfelt charm.
Presented in a cream moulded wooden frame with an off-white mount, the artwork has a timeless feel that complements Toft's palette and enhances the illustration without overpowering it. The warm tones of the piece are perfectly balanced by the softness of the frame, making it suitable for both contemporary and traditional interiors. Whether displayed alone or as part of a wider Sam Toft collection, Curly Wurly's Day Out brings joy, comfort, and a sense of story to any space.
Produced as a limited edition of 150, each print is created as a giclée on paper, ensuring exceptional clarity and long-lasting colour fidelity. Every edition is hand-signed and numbered by the artist and comes complete with a certificate of authenticity.
Curly Wurly's Day Out is much more than a delightful dog-filled moment-it is a celebration of friendship, fun, and the little adventures that brighten everyday life. With its charming autumn palette and heart-warming cast of characters, it is a piece that will continue to inspire smiles and spark conversation for years to come.
Looking for more by Sam Toft? We are delighted to offer a curated collection of her limited edition prints and original works. Please contact us if you'd like help finding the perfect addition to your collection.
Sam Toft is a beloved British artist whose quirky and uplifting illustrations have captured the hearts of audiences across the UK and beyond. Best known for her gentle and humorous depictions of everyday life, her work revolves around the charming world of Ernest Hemingway Mustard, his wife Violet, and their faithful dog Doris-characters who navigate life's simple pleasures with warmth, whimsy, and quiet joy.
Working primarily in oil pastel on paper and board, Toft developed her signature style-affectionately referred to as the "wonky donkey" technique-which involves layering, scraping back, and reworking pigment to create texture and character in every stroke. This tactile, sketchy aesthetic gives her work a distinctive visual identity: slightly imperfect, full of movement, and rich in feeling.
Born in the UK and now based in Brighton, Toft studied illustration at art college after a varied early career that included stints in catering, civil service, and psychotherapy training. She turned to painting full-time in the early 2000s, building a loyal following with her storytelling-driven compositions and idiosyncratic characters. Each of her pieces is part of a larger narrative-a gentle, ongoing tale of love, friendship, and the small delights of everyday life.
The world she paints is intentionally low-key and nostalgic: bicycle rides in the countryside, dog walks along the shore, quiet cups of tea in a favourite café. While minimalist in composition, her works are packed with emotional nuance, celebrating the humour, contentment, and occasional melancholy of life's quiet moments.
Sam Toft's work has been widely exhibited, and her images are licensed for a popular range of prints, greeting cards, calendars, and home accessories, allowing her art to reach a broad and enthusiastic audience. Despite the scale of her commercial success, Toft has remained true to her independent ethos, maintaining creative control over her characters and storytelling, and continuing to produce original work from her Brighton studio.
Her appeal lies not just in her style but in her ability to create a world that feels lived-in, lovable, and emotionally resonant. Her titles are often playful and poetic-part of the story themselves-and add an extra layer of intimacy and connection to each piece.
Toft's art is frequently described as life-affirming, with collectors and fans drawn to the sense of peace, kindness, and gentle humour that her work offers. It provides a comforting escape-a visual reminder to slow down, find joy in small things, and see the beauty in the mundane.
Today, Sam Toft continues to paint, write, and share her uniquely personal world with fans old and new. Through her distinct visual language and ever-evolving cast of characters, she has created more than just a body of work-she has built a universe of optimism and charm that resonates deeply with the human experience.