The Martin Bros inspirations seem to have been mainly nature, which was in line with the Arts and Crafts Movement, which in turn was heavily influenced by Oriental art originating in Japan and China, where nature and animals where very often given centre stage – this was novel in the West where the influences in art were mainly depictions of the human figure following classical Greek & Roman traditions.

The “Grotesque” figures seem to stem from another source – partly suggestive of natural forms, as in this example, which could be a clam or some sea creature – from somewhere in the recesses of the Martin Bros own imaginations and fantasies, perhaps fired by folk tales and mythology, which lend them a slightly creepy air offset by the often genial expressions – they look inviting and friendly, if in an odd way, and never threatening – though some would disagree.