St Judes at Tinsmiths

Last Friday I went along to a very enjoyable preview of prints from St Jude's Gallery which is currently being shown at Tinsmiths in Ledbury. It features the work of printmakers Angie Lewin, Mark Hearld and Jonny Hannah, all of whom were present on the evening (Angie Lewin is tiny, by the way). If you're a fan of contemporary British prints, then this is a show for you.

The prints are displayed alongside Tinsmith's collection of home & garden treasures. Tinsmiths makes an interesting setting, part of it is housed in a small, redbrick market town loft, with larger items being shown across the cobbled courtyard in an amazing glass, two storey 'pod'. All of this is reached via a small, twisty alley. Even if you're not particularly interested in seeing the show, have a peep up the alley just to look at the architecture!

I am a big fan of Mark Hearld's work, however, on this occasion Jonny Hannah's work stole the show for me.  So much so, 'Mr Gerry Mulligan' (below) found it's way into my possession! Jonny is a big jazz fan and his brightly coloured, bold  imagery reflects this. So too his splendid two-tone brogues and bow tie. Jonny wouldn't look out of place in one of his own prints!

'Mr Gerry Mulligan' by Jonny Hannah

'Ivy' by Angie Lewin

'Rooster & a Railway Carriage' by Mark Hearld 2009

If you'd like to take a look for yourself the exhibition continues until 24th April 2010. I'd recommend coffee and cake at Cameron & Swan afterwards too!