This image emanates from the Somerset folk ballad, ‘The Crystal Spring’. The lyrics of the first verse are particularly evocative, transporting the listener to a cool, verdant Arcadia: ‘Down by some crystal spring, where the nightingales sing, Most pleasant it is, in season, to hear the groves ring…’ The print’s symmetry is inspired by a C17th carved Bible box.
Printed in Carbon black linseed-based ink on Somerset ‘Antique’ 285gsm paper. Limited to an edition of 50. Numbered and signed in pencil by the artist, Cameron Short. Dimensions – Width: cm Height: cm
The story behind the ‘Songs of Somerset’ prints – This collection of block prints (originally conceived for the linings of our ‘Song Coats’) celebrates the exploits of song-hunter Cecil J Sharp in 1903. Over the course of a few years, Sharp roamed Somerset on his humble bicycle, amassing more than 1,600 songs from 350 singers. His quest took the form of exploration. A diary entry reads:
‘Folk-song takes refuge in the poor cottages and outlying hamlets. It harbours in the heathen kingdoms and the wilder parts. It is a treasure to be sought and found in nooks and corners…’
Sharp understood that these songs wove generations together, and bestowed on folk a sense of identity and belonging. They were among the most intimate possessions of the poor. He wrote:
‘They come out very shyly, late at night, and are heard when the gentry have gone to bed, when the barrack-room has exhausted its Music-Hall menu.’
Sharp’s objective was preservation, and he recorded both lyrics and melodies expertly – his only tools a well-trained ear and a pencil. Many of the songs tell fanciful and peculiar stories – some dark, some light – providing us, the artists, with an abundance of rich imagery to interpret. We conceived and carved around twenty new blocks, the fruit of which you have before you.
Professionally packed and fast shipping
We can offer a variety of shipping options because of our long-term relationship with UPS FedEx DHL. Our warehouse staff are trained to package your goods precisely according to the specifications that we supply. Prior to shipping, your goods are carefully examined and safely secured. Each day, we ship to thousands of customers across multiple countries. This is a testament to our determination to become the biggest online retailer in the world. There are distribution centers and warehouses located in Europe and the USA.
Note that orders containing multiple items are given a processing time according to the item.
Prior to shipment, we examine the items ordered carefully before shipping. Most orders are now shipped within 48 hrs. The delivery time is between 3 and 7 working days.
Returns
The stock is constantly changing and not fully managed by us because of the involvement of several different parties, such as the factory and our warehouse. The actual stock levels can fluctuate at any moment. It's possible that you may not receive your order after it's been placed.
Our policy is valid for 30 days. If it's been more 30 days since you've purchased your item We're sorry to say that we can't offer you a complete exchange or refund.
You can only return a product if it is unused and in the same condition the day you received it. It must also be in the original packaging.
Related products
