If I'd Observed All The Rules I'd Never Have Got Anywhere | Unique 16
Enquiry Only
37.5in x 48in | 95.25cm x 121.92cm
41.5in x 52in | 105.41cm x 132.08cm
Mixed Media
Request Artwork - If I'd Observed All The Rules I'd Never Have Got Anywhere | Unique 16
Hand-signed hand-embellished unique artwork by James McQueen.
In this irreverent artwork, elusive artist James McQueen takes the rulebook of conformity and pointedly subverts it, stamping across its pages a playful provocation that urges us all to push boundaries in pursuit of our dreams.
Known for challenging convention in both his artwork and beyond the studio, the artist highlights a quote that deeply resonates with him. And in a continuation of the carefree attitude propagated by the central slogan, McQueen surrounds his signature book design with another of his most well-known mottos.
Working with a bold palette of colours, McQueen has revisited the silkscreened image, hand-embellishing it with vibrant bursts of colour and impactful texture. Using expressive and dynamic brush strokes, he creates a new and unique artwork.
Beneath the splashes of paint and eye-catching typography lie subtle, intimate details. Scribbled shopping lists, phone numbers and messages to loved ones are scattered across the surface, echoing the oddly personal notes so often discovered in second-hand books. These hidden fragments invite viewers to look closer, offering glimpses of humour, honesty, and humanity.
Find out more about this collection here.
Delivery & Returns
Production & Delivery
All our artwork is made to order in Birmingham, UK, ensuring top quality. Please allow up to four weeks for delivery. Each piece is carefully crafted to meet our high standards.
If you order multiple artworks, they may arrive separately for efficiency.
Returns
We offer a 14-day cooling-off period so you can view the artwork in your home. If it's not right for you, we’ll collect it free of charge or you can return it to one of our galleries.
For international orders, the same policy applies—contact us to arrange collection.
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A closer look
THE FINER DETAILS
Hand-signed by the artist
Unique Artwork
Ready to Hang
The artist
James McQueen
You should never judge a book by its cover, and McQueen is keeping his firmly under wraps. The elusive artist, who operates under a name as fictitious as the titles he paints, has so far launched one collection of his book-themed Anthology works, three collections of his Non-Fiction works with Castle Fine Art and, the most recent Special Edition collection. They proved to be a page-turner with our collectors, and McQueen's limited edition captivating works are extraordinarily popular and in incredibly high demand - with the Non-Fiction collection selling out in just hours!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Due to its unique nature, availbility, provenance, or value, this piece requires a personal consultation with one of our art specialists. Please contact us to discuss availability, pricing, and acquisition details.
At checkout, you'll have the option to have your order delivered to your home or to collect it from one of our galleries across the UK. For more information on delivery, visit our delivery page here.
Yes, Castle Fine Art is based in the UK, but we ship internationally. All of our international orders are delivered via DHL.
To ensure a secure transit, every artwork is handled with utmost care. We take precautionary measures by using foam around the piece for added safety during transportation, and then the artwork(s) are packaged in double-walled, reinforced cardboard boxes that offer superior protection. All of this ensures that your artwork arrives safely.
Most artwork orders will need to be professionally mounted and framed before being dispatched, so delivery can take up to four weeks from the date you placed your order, but we do strive to deliver your order as soon as we can.
Books and gift cards are delivered within 2-3 working days. Please note, if multiple artworks are purchased within the same order, they may be delivered separately for efficient delivery.
The majority of our originals and limited editions are hand signed by the artist themselves. On some occasions where we have limited edition sculptures, this is hand written into the mould before production. If you're unsure, please contact us.
30 years of fantastic art
In 1995, we opened our first-ever gallery in Stratford-upon-Avon. With just one goal in mind - to make our art accessible to all - our fledgling company began to spread its roots.
Craftsmanship and Quality
Every piece of art is mounted, glazed or framed by hand, with our bespoke framing service selected by our creative department.
Built to last
Our foundations are built on a passion for art, and many of our staff (and collectors!) have been with us from the very beginning.
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Free UK delivery on all artwork and sculpture orders