ADVENT STARRY SKY

An engraving by Eric Ravilious (1903–1942)

Eric Ravilious trained as a wood engraver and mural painter at the Royal College of Art, where he was taught by Paul Nash. He worked initially as a book illustrator and designer but turned increasingly to watercolour during the 1930s.

This wood engraving, showing mountains, stars and gems, is from a series illustrating a collection of epigrams and epitaphs by Martin Armstrong, published in 1933 as '54 Conceits'. This image accompanies a short poem called 'An Explorer'.

Ravilious died in 1942 off the coast of Iceland while working as a war artist. His plane disappeared while on a search and rescue mission.

An Explorer
Eric Ravilious (1903–1942)
From a series of illustrations for the book Fifty-Four Conceits by Martin Armstrong

Wood engraving
WA.OA979
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Not currently on display
You can request to see his work by appointment in the Western Art Print Room