The Original Print Show at Velarde, Kingsbridge

Guest Blog Post - Velarde

From the mesmerising works of established Royal Academicians to passionate environmental artists, The Original Print Show at Velarde promises to showcase the beauty and complexity of printmaking in its many forms. Running from the 1st of February to the 26th of April 2025, this exhibition brings together a diverse range of artists and techniques that celebrate the art of print. Here's a glimpse into some of the exciting artists and works featured in this extraordinary show.

Katherine Jones, RA: A Young Artist Making Waves

Katherine Jones made history in 2022 as the youngest artist ever elected as a Royal Academician. Not only has she made her mark as an artist, but she was also selected for the prestigious Royal Academy hanging committee in 2024, playing a key role in curating the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition. Jones’ work combines painting with traditional printmaking, blending hyper-realistic images with folkloric narratives. With iconic motifs such as houses, trees, and flowers, she explores complex themes of safety, danger, and perception.

Her work can be found in numerous prestigious collections, including the Ashmolean Museum, Yale University Library, and even The House of Lords. Katherine's involvement in The Original Print Show will undoubtedly be a highlight of the exhibition, as her work continues to push the boundaries of the medium.

Print Demonstrations by Anita Reynolds and Jonathan Lawes

If you're curious about the art of printmaking, you're in luck! During the exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to attend two live print demonstrations by talented artists Anita Reynolds and Jonathan Lawes.

Anita Reynolds, a skilled mark maker based near Dartmoor, is known for her expressive landscapes that capture the energy and gesture of the natural world. Her works, always rooted in outdoor experiences, celebrate the changing seasons and the raw beauty of the land. Reynolds is also an experienced art educator, teaching on the Professional Landscape Programme at Newlyn School of Art in Cornwall.

Jonathan Lawes, a South East London-based artist, has a unique approach to printmaking, blending geometry with organic forms. After spending years in Berlin, Lawes returned to London in 2018 and established his own print studio. His compositions are a true testament to his love of colour, pattern, and the process of printmaking itself. Clients like COS and The Conran Shop have embraced his distinct style, which will be showcased at Velarde during the exhibition.

Peter Randall-Page, RA: Sculpture, Print, and Nature's Influence

Peter Randall-Page’s work is renowned across the globe, from the Tate Gallery to the British Museum. As a Royal Academician since 2015, Randall-Page has spent over 40 years exploring the relationship between natural forms and human emotion through sculpture, drawing, and printmaking. His work often delves into the principles of growth and the forms it produces, using nature as a source of inspiration and reflection.

His public sculptures can be found throughout the UK, including in London, Cambridge, and Edinburgh, and his work has earned him multiple honorary doctorates. At Velarde, Randall-Page will unveil three standout prints that showcase his deep connection with the natural world, offering a thoughtful exploration of the growth patterns that inspire his sculptures.

Environmental Art: Frances Gynn, Sarah Gillespie, and Richard Lawrence

Environmental issues are a growing theme in the art world, and The Original Print Show presents three exceptional artists whose work tackles the most pressing concerns facing our planet.

Frances Gynn, an artist based in Devon, uses her art to reflect on environmental issues such as deforestation, plastic pollution, and species extinction. Through her powerful drawings and interactive works, Gynn invites her audience to engage with her pieces and erase parts of endangered species as a reminder of the fragility of life.

Sarah Gillespie, a member of the Royal West of England Academy, creates beautifully detailed prints that capture the delicate beauty of nature. Her mezzotint and drypoint works focus on the rare beauty of moths, offering quiet, introspective moments of stillness and elegance.

Richard Lawrence, a printmaker and sculptor, uses his work to respond to the challenges of climate change. Through simple yet poignant imagery, Lawrence highlights the need to protect our environment. His woodcut prints and sculptures can be seen in locations around the world, from London’s Docklands to the British Foreign Office in São Paulo, Brazil.

The Art of Printmaking: A Diverse Medium at Velarde

At Velarde, we believe that original printmaking deserves a platform to be celebrated in its full glory. The Original Print Show will feature 17 talented printmakers, each offering a unique perspective and artistic voice. From traditional intaglio techniques like etching, drypoint, and mezzotint, to more experimental processes such as collagraph, woodcut, and monotype, this exhibition showcases the diversity and richness of printmaking.

This is a rare opportunity to experience printmaking in its many forms, with artists who are pushing the boundaries of what print can be. Whether you're a seasoned art lover or a newcomer to the world of print, The Original Print Show promises to be an inspiring and thought-provoking exhibition.

Join Us at Velarde: The Original Print Show

The Original Print Show opens on 1st February and runs until 26th April 2025 at Velarde. Don't miss your chance to experience the work of some of the most exciting printmakers working today. From abstract compositions to environmental concerns, this exhibition highlights the versatility of printmaking as an art form.

We look forward to welcoming you to Velarde and sharing these incredible works with you. Stay tuned for more updates, and we hope to see you there!