This is my rendition of my family's coat of arms, illustrated in 2013 to celebrate my father's 70th birthday.
If you’re wondering about the family motto, it translates to “Thus, and perhaps better.” I’ll admit that it could be described as less than inspiring. But I’ve always liked it and this is the history behind it:
In 1515, Thomas Rolleston had a tower built onto the Mayfield Parish Church in Staffordshire, England. On the outer wall of the tower he inscribed “Ainsy et mieulx peult ester”, which translates to “Thus it is and better could it be.” The Rollestons later took this as their family motto, changing the wording slightly to “Ainsi et peut estre meilleur.” It’s been suggested that the inscription was Thomas’ way of saying he wished the quality of the tower could have been even greater, to better honour his God and the church.
As I said, I like the motto. I like its humble nature. Perhaps I also relate to it because of the perfectionist tendencies I deal with as an artist. For example, I’m quite pleased with my version of the coat of arms but I still see things I consider re-working. Like most of my illustrations, I could easily keep tweaking it until the end of time.
But here it is.
Thus, and perhaps better.
