Oak Knoll

First edition limited to 75 numbered and signed copies, of which this is one of 25 copies numbered 16-40 to feature 61 examples on 31 papers. Also included is a regular edition of Notes to a Collection of Printing from Woodblocks on a Diversity of Papers explaining the paper, printing ink, typefaces, and woodblocks used in the project.

From the introduction: "The woodblocks printed in this collection span several hundred years and they can still produce images of superb quality. These leaves are the result of a printing exploration that began with Thomas Bewick's woodblocks. It was not enough to know about hand printing. To print what Bewick intended I had to understand both how and why he developed his extraordinary technique.

In Thomas Bewick Engraver & the Performance of Woodblocks I describe Bewick's development from his apprenticeship to becoming a renowned engraver and illustrator. I explain his technique of lowering and include four hundred and thirty-six illustrations. The book concludes with a brief history of paper and ink, and how lowered blocks were and can still be printed on a hand press. I experimented with ink recipes, and tested them on many book papers rather than on proofing tissue. This Collection of Printing from Woodblocks began when my ink experiments were successful and continued afterwards.

My intention is to invite and promote all manner of comparisons of papers and images. Paper contributes colour, tone and texture to the image, it is an integral part of what we see. This is apparent when comparing the same printed image on a diversity of papers, printed with good black inks. The printing naturally varies as some papers are more receptive to an impression than others, and several black inks are used that are far from being all the same.

The later prints introduce wood engravings other than Bewick's. All woodblocks come alive when they are well printed, and this selection was chosen for the sheer pleasure of seeing these engravings."

Also included is a copy of the regular edition of Understanding Paper: Assessment and permanence for Artists & Fine Printers, by Graham Williams (The Florin Press, 2021).