Angie Lewin

Winter Stem by A. Lewin

This marvellous design by printmaker Angie Lewin has been the inspiration for this post, and for my discovery of this wonderful artist who produces most of her work in wood-engraving and linocut, though she does also produce beautiful watercolour paintings too. ‘Winter Stem’ graces the cover of my Enchanted April copy in the Virago Modern Classics 30th anniversary designer series (which are just gorgeous – I’m trying to collect them all). I must admit that when I purchased the book, it was this copy that really caught my eye owing to the fabulous cover. I even spurned the advances of a flirty little old school green topped VMC as I browsed the different possibilities. In this example of Lewin’s work, I admire the way the spiky wintry brush of the wild thistles intersperse with what look to me like footprints in the snow, or perhaps through a wooded area. I like the abstract, almost geometric quality to her work, and she has a very distinctive style.

Alliums, linocut, by A. Lewin

Lewin studied printmaking at Central St. Martins and later at Camberwell in the mid-eighties. Her work is influenced by her surroundings in Norfolk, where she later moved to, as well as the majestic terrain of the Scottish Highlands, a place very dear to my heart. It is very interesting to learn that she also studied horticulture, which is clear in her obvious love of the natural world and so brilliantly captured in her linocuts and wood engravings.

Winter Spey, wood engraving, by A. Lewin

Lewin is in great demand for her designs, which are often seen on book covers, stationary and on textiles too. I’m personally keen to get my hands on a copy of her book Angie Lewin: Plants and Places showcasing her prints, which are grouped according to habitat; woodland, hedgerow (don’t you just love that word? So little heard these days…) coast and garden.

Night Thrift, wood engraving, by A. Lewin

Another book which I’m especially keen to acquire is Garden Wisdom which is an anthology of writing about gardening featuring twenty of Angie’s prints. I guess you know you’re truly middle aged when gardening appeals more than a trip down the pub. But more about that later… I shall love you and leave you with another luscious Lewin linocut and hope that you enjoy her work as much as I do.

But one more thing before I go. Would anyone recommend any good novels that have gardening or a garden as a theme? And yes, I have read The Secret Garden!

Scarista, linocut, by A.Lewin