Ravilious Carving and Editioning

When Ravilious was alive, he began creating an ‘Ex Libris’ or front book plate for the printmaker Gwen May. During my residency at Marlborough College, I was visiting Edward Twohig, my manager’s office, and noticed that he had a small barely begun wood block on display, with the design drawn onto the wood, and a few white engraved lines. I mentioned to him that it seemed a shame for the beautiful design to be unfinished, and he commissioned me to finish it for him, only informing me that it was a Ravilious mid way through the engraving. Upon mentioning to him and David Ferry, who was visiting at the time, that it was indeed ‘Ex libris Gwen May’ it was decided for a print of the finished engraving to be added to the RE (Royal Society of printmakers’) archives. Below are photos of the engraving process, and finished print. It was a difficult commission, as Ravilious had evidently designed it in such a way as to remind himself of the contrasting elements, rather than a design for another printer to follow. I had to combine knowledge from his paper design, the drawing directly on the block, and implications from the few partially engraved lines there. I am very happy with the outcome however, and see it as one of my best commissions so far.

The wood block and design and the beginning of the project. Black lines on paper and wood block show design by Ravilious, white lines show engraved lines by Ravilious, light brown lines the beginning of my engraving.