Season of Mists

And new timetables

Hello

Nearly 40 years after graduating from university and leaving full-time education, autumn still feels like the time for fresh starts and new routines. I’m sure I’m not the only person who carries this seasonal conditioning with them. I wonder if stationery shops see an increase in middle-aged customers at this time of year as well as students and children? (Or maybe instead of students and children, who I suspect no longer have the same need for ring-binders and fresh packs of biros that we had).

Well this autumn I have a new addition to my schedule. I am delighted and very excited to be a new volunteer guide at Barley Hall, a restored medieval townhouse in the centre of York. It simply wasn’t possible for me to contemplate taking on anything like this while so much of my time was occupied with administering York Open Studios, so it’s great to have the capacity and flexibility to do this now. If you have a minute to spare the video below might give an idea of what a special place Barley Hall is and why I couldn’t pass up this opportunity.

The hall is tucked between two streets where one of York’s characteristic snickelways opens out into a courtyard called Coffee Yard. The hall’s own coffee shop next door is in a building previously occupied by a Georgian coffee house (hence the yard’s name) but before that it was the print shop of Thomas Gent, the entrepreneurial 18th century printmaker I wrote about last November. I just love the way the history of York is interwoven like this and if it isn’t a sign I was meant to be there then I don’t know what is. Medieval history, coffee, printmaking and cake - it’s got my name all over it.

I’ve been working through my training materials and sending off a photo for my lanyard, which is my 2024 version of renewing my library and NUS cards, and will be clocking in for my first shift soon. (Before you ask, no sadly I don’t get to wear a kirtle or even so much as a linen cap).

Meanwhile back in the studio

Having finally cleared away the pots, trays, rollers, dustsheets and stepladder that were cluttering the studio floor while I painted the kitchen, I have made a start on a new print. I’m going to try a new method of registration with this one so I will report back next week with news of how that’s going and with some more information.

And elsewhere in York

This week I made it to York Art Gallery to see the new William Morris exhibition The Art of Wallpaper. Who knew three large rooms of wallpaper samples could be so enthralling? It really is a fascinating display which starts with what was going on with wallpaper and interior wall coverings before Morris came on the scene, takes you through the development of his style and business and also goes on to chart his legacy and influence on interior design. As a printmaker, I spent a long time staring at the large framed samples and working out how they had been built up, and how on some occasions blocks had been combined and overprinted to create new designs. I especially loved being able to see Morris’ ‘match-piece’ (reference sample) for his Chrysanthemum design: a long roll of paper displayed hanging from the wall and unfurled across the floor, which starts at one end with just one block printed, and as you work your way down more blocks have been added to reach the final image. (In a similar way to how I sometimes show you how my reduction linoprints are built up). The original wood and metal printing blocks are shown next to it.

Sadly the exhibition is strictly ‘no photography’, so the best I can offer is this photo of one of Morris’ printing blocks taken when I visited his home, Red House, five years ago.

In the absence of images of the exhibition you will just have to use your imagination, or better still go and see for yourself. I really do recommend a visit.

And finally

I met this chap on my way to the art gallery. I’m shamelessly excited about the new film’s release in a couple of weeks; she who is tired of Paddington is tired of life.

A recent arrival in Dean’s Park (the grounds of York Minster).

I will write again when I have made progress with my new print.

Until then, thanks as always for reading.

Jane