I didn’t expect to read about wood engraving today - the story of Agnes and the images from Through the Woods got me entranced. I now need to find this book. Thank you for awakening my curiosity.
I don't think I've ever seen better renditions of cats; the way that she captures their expressions (both face and body) and the texture of fur is astonishing. I love the wood engravings of this period. Thank you for introducing me to another unknown treasure.
This is wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing what details there are of AMP's life. I've always appreciated her work, the animals' fur that's just asking to be stroked, the catkins that could begin to waggle in the breeze at any moment ... I'm taking your reading and viewing recommendations on board, too.
Thank you very much! It is such a pity I was unable to find an example of her drawings and there seems so little of her work online other than the published engravings. I love the catkins, she somehow makes them quiver - she really had incredible skill. I saw her engraving described as "springy" and there is a real lightness of touch.Earth and Heaven is marvellous, I know you would love it.
Lovely. We used to live in the hamlet of Bwlch-y-Ffridd which attached itself to the side of the Gregynog estate. What a magical place. So interesting to read of an artist with strong connections to the estate.
What a joy this is Deborah - thank you for it. Wonderful images! I too read Love for Lydia as a teenager and was crazy about it - also The Four Beauties. How amazing that it's on YouTube.
I am sure you will love the Four Beauties - Michael Kitchen is perfect. And Love for Lydia had such a cast - Jeremy Irons, Peter Davison and Beatrix Lehmann - extraordinary! Thank you x
I always learn something new reading your blog. And what great cat images! Although Agnes Miller Parker's own work isn't rooted in the Glasgow style (i.e. "The Four" and art nouveau), despite her being a student at the GSA, the photo of her seems quite Arts and Craft-y. H.E.Bates was on my parents' bookshelves but - like your English teacher - I learned somehow that he was considered light-weight.
No, I agree her work took quite a different route and I would love to see something of what she produced during that period, but there seems very little available, and no drawings to be seen at all. She had no children and wonder what happened to her work after her death? It is odd how H E Bates was viewed and wonder if, in part, it was due to his comic Larkin novels, which I am less keen on, but he was certainly viewed with some snobbery!
Your observation that Parker’s prints are born not just of recording nature, but from knowing it, is lovely, Deborah. It reminded me of Wordsworth’s instruction: “Come forth into the light of things, / Let nature be your teacher.”
What struck me was how each composition came from a real understanding of what she saw. I would love to know more about the process that brought them into being. There must have been drawings - if I find out, I will let you know!
Enjoyed this so much. And it introduced me to several new books/writers, as well as the artwork, so thank you! And love the cuckoo. I'm not sure I've ever seen one in such detail before.
This also sent me trying to find the illustrations from a picture book I had when I was tiny. It's been reissued with different illustrations since then, but I hadn't seen the original pictures since back then, and your verbal description of these brought them strongly to mind somehow
It is ”The Secret River,” and the illustrator was Leonard Weisgard. One can see the cover on the Wikipedia page — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Secret_River_(Rawlings_book) — and I mention it only because it was very nice to see that book again because of this.
You sent me off down a rabbit hole! I knew neither the writer or book, but now I am keen to find a copy. It sounds like a book I would love.
It is odd, isn't it, how something can trigger a memory long buried? I am assuming you no longer have a copy? There is alovely website by Leonard Weisgard's children https://leonardweisgard.com/ I love the illustrations - so of the period - and remind me of childhood books, long gone.
Thank you for reading it, and so pleased you enjoyed it.
Another delightful post, which will make me go looking for a copy of Through the Woods. I love the cats, and the tweed cap. Alastair McGowan recommended Fair Stood the Wind for France on Radio 4’s A Good Read a few months ago. He also talked about why H E Bates had fallen out of fashion.
Thank you, I will look it up. I have listened to it for years, but must have missed that episode. Do hope you find a copy, it is such a beautiful book, as is it's sequel. Thank you.
I love H.E. Bates, and now I love Agnes! Looking for a copy of the book, I saw that they also did another collaboration, Down The River. I imagine that would be just as wonderful.
I hope you find it. I think Little Toller still publish them. Down the River is equally beautiful, but decided for this to focus on this for the piece for the sake of length. You can see how she must have stood and observed the riverbank, as she fished. I am so pleased you enjoy her work too.
I didn’t expect to read about wood engraving today - the story of Agnes and the images from Through the Woods got me entranced. I now need to find this book. Thank you for awakening my curiosity.
I am delighted that you did! I hope you can find a copy.
I don't think I've ever seen better renditions of cats; the way that she captures their expressions (both face and body) and the texture of fur is astonishing. I love the wood engravings of this period. Thank you for introducing me to another unknown treasure.
They are incredible, aren't they? They have such a sense of movement and it is clear that she loved them. Thank you very much.
This is wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing what details there are of AMP's life. I've always appreciated her work, the animals' fur that's just asking to be stroked, the catkins that could begin to waggle in the breeze at any moment ... I'm taking your reading and viewing recommendations on board, too.
Thank you very much! It is such a pity I was unable to find an example of her drawings and there seems so little of her work online other than the published engravings. I love the catkins, she somehow makes them quiver - she really had incredible skill. I saw her engraving described as "springy" and there is a real lightness of touch.Earth and Heaven is marvellous, I know you would love it.
Glorious engravings. You have set me on the path of another artist to seek out. Thank you!
Happy hunting!
Lovely. We used to live in the hamlet of Bwlch-y-Ffridd which attached itself to the side of the Gregynog estate. What a magical place. So interesting to read of an artist with strong connections to the estate.
It looks an amazing place, I knew little about them until researching this. They had an extraordinary art collection.
There’s also the most amazing music room there and an annual festival. Such an important seat of Welsh language too.
I would love to visit, I have been looking at their website - what a place!
It would be wonderful if you could get there … maybe if you do, you’ll get to walk through Bwlch-y-Ffridd. This is the chapel we used to live in 👇
A really enjoyable read, Deborah. Thank you for brightening a wet and dreary day!
Isn’t the weather dire? It is heaving down here. Thank you very much, Victoria.
It’s just relentless… Fingers crossed for a nicer weekend.
What a joy this is Deborah - thank you for it. Wonderful images! I too read Love for Lydia as a teenager and was crazy about it - also The Four Beauties. How amazing that it's on YouTube.
I am sure you will love the Four Beauties - Michael Kitchen is perfect. And Love for Lydia had such a cast - Jeremy Irons, Peter Davison and Beatrix Lehmann - extraordinary! Thank you x
A fascinating and informative read as ever Deborah. I really love her work. So beautiful. The Uncivilised Cat reminds me of my Jasper!
Jasper sounds very fine! She captures a cat's movement so well. I would love to see the drawings that these paintings and print grew from.
I always learn something new reading your blog. And what great cat images! Although Agnes Miller Parker's own work isn't rooted in the Glasgow style (i.e. "The Four" and art nouveau), despite her being a student at the GSA, the photo of her seems quite Arts and Craft-y. H.E.Bates was on my parents' bookshelves but - like your English teacher - I learned somehow that he was considered light-weight.
No, I agree her work took quite a different route and I would love to see something of what she produced during that period, but there seems very little available, and no drawings to be seen at all. She had no children and wonder what happened to her work after her death? It is odd how H E Bates was viewed and wonder if, in part, it was due to his comic Larkin novels, which I am less keen on, but he was certainly viewed with some snobbery!
This is truly wonderful!
So pleased you liked it, and thank you very much for sharing it, it is so kind of you x
Your observation that Parker’s prints are born not just of recording nature, but from knowing it, is lovely, Deborah. It reminded me of Wordsworth’s instruction: “Come forth into the light of things, / Let nature be your teacher.”
What struck me was how each composition came from a real understanding of what she saw. I would love to know more about the process that brought them into being. There must have been drawings - if I find out, I will let you know!
Always such a pleasure to read your posts, Deborah.
Thank you x
Enjoyed this so much. And it introduced me to several new books/writers, as well as the artwork, so thank you! And love the cuckoo. I'm not sure I've ever seen one in such detail before.
This also sent me trying to find the illustrations from a picture book I had when I was tiny. It's been reissued with different illustrations since then, but I hadn't seen the original pictures since back then, and your verbal description of these brought them strongly to mind somehow
It is ”The Secret River,” and the illustrator was Leonard Weisgard. One can see the cover on the Wikipedia page — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Secret_River_(Rawlings_book) — and I mention it only because it was very nice to see that book again because of this.
You sent me off down a rabbit hole! I knew neither the writer or book, but now I am keen to find a copy. It sounds like a book I would love.
It is odd, isn't it, how something can trigger a memory long buried? I am assuming you no longer have a copy? There is alovely website by Leonard Weisgard's children https://leonardweisgard.com/ I love the illustrations - so of the period - and remind me of childhood books, long gone.
Thank you for reading it, and so pleased you enjoyed it.
Another delightful post, which will make me go looking for a copy of Through the Woods. I love the cats, and the tweed cap. Alastair McGowan recommended Fair Stood the Wind for France on Radio 4’s A Good Read a few months ago. He also talked about why H E Bates had fallen out of fashion.
Thank you, I will look it up. I have listened to it for years, but must have missed that episode. Do hope you find a copy, it is such a beautiful book, as is it's sequel. Thank you.
Lovely stuff. And those cats are gorgeous.
Thank you, aren't they just marvellous? She captures their movement so beautifully.
I love H.E. Bates, and now I love Agnes! Looking for a copy of the book, I saw that they also did another collaboration, Down The River. I imagine that would be just as wonderful.
I hope you find it. I think Little Toller still publish them. Down the River is equally beautiful, but decided for this to focus on this for the piece for the sake of length. You can see how she must have stood and observed the riverbank, as she fished. I am so pleased you enjoy her work too.