Beachy Head Hawthorn Bench Scarlett

Print description

Beachy Head, an iconic landscape. A dreamy view that I have named after Scarlett, that was at my studio when I was completing this design, she is the daughter of my artist friend Tiffany Lynch.

This print strongly resonates with Asian artistic traditions. I admire the Japanese and Korean prints for their beautiful color transitions. My fascination led me to visit the Guimet Musee early in 2020 to explore not only their fantastic collection but also two specific temporary exhibitions: ‘At the Court of Prince Genji: A Thousand Years of Japanese Imagination’, and ‘T’ang Haywen: A Chinese Painter in Paris (1927-1991)’ who was a contemporary of Zao Wou-ki. Additionally, this year, I immersed myself in a 1979 book titled ‘How to Paint the Chinese Way’ and a splendid British Museum publication from the same year entitled ‘Flowers in Art from East and West’ by Paul Hulton and Lawrence Smith. This extensive study and interest culminated in the creation of this print in a contemporary Asian style.

Print details

To create this print, I start by crafting individual drawings in ink, which collectively form a collage comprising the final piece. I scan my drawings and digitally add colour. The original design solely exists in digital format, and I print it using archival inks and paper. I then release my design as a limited edition print, available in standard ‘A’ sizes, ranging from A0 (84.1 cm x 118.9 cm) to A4 (21 x 29.7 cm).

Beachy Head Lighthouse

below the cliffs of Beachy Head in East Sussex in the English Channel you can find Beachy Head Lighthouse

It started operating in 1902 as the last traditional-style ‘rock tower’ or offshore lighthouse  to be built by Trinity House
The nearby Belle Tout Lighthouse, built 1834 on top of the cliffs was not as successful as had been hoped, as its light was frequently obscured by sea mists so in 1902 was decommissioned. 
The lighthouse was built by Sir Thomas Matthews, the Trinity House Engineer-in-Chief. The tower was constructed in Cornish granite and was lifted with a cable car from the top of the cliff. The lighthouse was fitted with an explosive fog signal and paraffin lights.
As a curious note, a successful  sponsored campaign to repaint the distinctive red and white stripes was launched in October 2011 as Trinity announced that it could no longer afford decoration and that it would have to be left to return to its natural granite grey.

Rudyard Kipling a poem

A Three-Part Song

I’m just in love with all these three,
The Weald and the Marsh and the Down countree.
Nor I don’t know which I love the most,
The Weald or the Marsh or the white Chalk coast!

I’ve buried my heart in a ferny hill,
Twix’ a liddle low shaw an’ a great high gill.
Oh hop-bine yaller an’ wood-smoke blue,
I reckon you’ll keep her middling true!

I’ve loosed my mind for to out and run
On a Marsh that was old when Kings begun.
Oh Romney Level and Brenzett reeds,
I reckon you know what my mind needs!

I’ve given my soul to the Southdown grass,
And sheep-bells tinkled where you pass.
Oh Firle an’ Ditchling an’ sails at sea,
I reckon you keep my soul for me!