FAMAG 2017.4.3
Irwin, Bernard, Smith, Jesse Leroy: By pony wagon, by rail and by water, signed and dated 2016, hard ground and sugar lift etching with chine-coll, 57 x 68 cms.
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"Transporting tin and copper to the markets of the world is a key story of the mining era. We were joined in our exploration by a host of of primary school children whose vivid depictions of the many modes of transport used as the precious metals made their journey down the sea were an inspiration behind this print."
Over the summer of 2016 Bernard Irwin and Jesse Leroy Smith embarked on a remarkable journey through the mining landscapes and heritage of Cornwall and West Devon. As they traveled they were joined along the way by t a host of artists, mining experts and enthusiasts, geologists, historians, archivists, book conservators, school children and members of the public. Each one contributed, through their participation, to the richness of experience and the depth of content so evident in all the artworks created along the way. All of this activity culminated in the creation of the suite of ten copper plate etchings made under the expert guidance of John Howard at his Penryn print studio. The final ten etchings are presented in handmade presentation boxes constructed by Elizabeth Neville & Louis Bauress & two Heritage Lottery Funded conservation trainees, Keira McKee ann Rhea Evers, in collaboration with the artists and St. Justin Jewellers.