Open Studio 2012

There is always a feeling of "Its that time of the year again" when Open Studios swing round in July. This year, time was decidedly tight after taking a week's holiday and then hanging and opening the exshibition at the Old Fire Engine House in Ely. I had a week to make sure that the work was ready and that the space was clear for me to bring my engraving studio out of the house to sit next to the printing presses.

There are two many odds and ends to clear the space completely so old bedsheets were used to draw a veil over the accumulation of decades:

Parts of an old wardrobe were recycled to make a stand to display unframed work (most of my framed work being in Ely):

The weather was always going to be a concern and a stroll down West Fen before opening time was typical of the weekend with bright sunny periods interspersed with rain showers. On the whole, it was just fine:

The first weekend was a very pleasant affair with old and new faces among the visitors, much interest in my work and pleasing sales. Here are some views of the 2012 Open Studio:

Wine labels, cards and bookplates:

New work, postcards, blocks and tools:

Handmade books (and unframed engravings):

The Woman In Black Portfolio, magazine articles about the project and a file of other illustrations:

Adana table top presses and ink:

Peeping into the Press Room:

The beloved Albion Handpresses:

"Red" was set up to demonstrate printing:

The drying racks always fascinate enquiring minds:

A seldom seen view of the Press Room:

I am open again this coming weekend (14th - 15th July between 11am and 6pm see http://www.camopenstudios.co.uk) and then I have a long list of commissions to work on. The garden is also calling as both vegetables and weeds are flourishing in our rather rainly summer:

I will post again soon to catch up with recent work and publications.