Wood engraving is a traditional relief printing technique that involves carving into the end grain of a hardwood block using fine, chisel-like tools. Artists often use woods like boxwood, lemonwood, pearwood or holly, all chosen for their hardness and ability to hold incredibly intricate detail. Unlike lino or traditional woodblock printing, which use the side grain, engraving on the end grain allows for much more precision – ideal for those who love to work small and meticulously. With this method, it’s the areas not carved away that hold the ink, so in many ways, you’re drawing with light.
The Hebden Bridge A–Z
This charming project began in 2022 when the artist started engraving under the guidance of master engraver Chris Daunt. From that very first block, they were hooked. Practice, of course, makes progress – and when someone jokingly said Hebden needed its own A–Z map, the idea took root.
What followed was a wonderfully quirky self-imposed challenge: 26 blocks, one for each letter of the alphabet, all inspired by Hebden Bridge. Only practice blocks were allowed – random sizes and woods that meant working creatively with what was at hand. No letter could be repeated (well… except for two, but we’re not judging), and they didn’t need to be tackled in order. Even the dreaded ‘X’ made the final cut – eventually!
The result? A beautifully detailed and completely unique celebration of the town we love – letter by letter.
Each print is limited to an edition of only 50 and is printed on paper approximately 16cms x 22cms.
