I am posting details of my journey around England out of calendar order. I had the good fortune of spending a few days with Chris Daunt, who I met years ago at a Wood Engravers’ Network (WEN) workshop I helped organize. Chris was our guest wood engraver. We have become good friends since then. Here, a few photos, the captions further sharing details . . .
Chris is the end-grain blockmaker of choice for many wood engravers worldwide. I had the opportunity to work with him in his workshop. I learned how to make blocks. (No further details about that process, as I took the blockmaker’s oath, quite similar to the magician’s oath of secrecy, both deal with magical results.) Here is Chris cutting rough rounds of boxwood.
Here, two blocks that I made, boxwood round on the left and a lemonwood rectangle on the right. It’s exacting work for sure, and I can now honestly say Chris Daunt made blocks are a bargain.
Next to Chris’ dining area table was the sweet tabletop size Albion press (which could also serve as a deluxe tortilla press). I spent part of an afternoon helping Chris set-up the press. Self-learning the process (not many Albion owners in the US) with my press, had me knowing exactly what needed to be adjusted. The framed Monica Poole print about the press, “Edge of the Wood”, I too have framed and hanging up on our wall. Chris obtained this print with a little help from a Wisconsin based wood engraver, who found this print, bargain priced. That is what good friends are for.
Here, Woody, Chris’ fitness coach, insisting we get some exercise taking a brisk walk.
A wave from Chris’ good friend Tony (I remembered his name), as they both treated me to a local football match.
This gorgeous print (on the right) of Carl Sandburg was on display on Chris’ hallway wall, and I told Chris it was a gem - multi-color printing at its best. Chris found the ink wash study that he painted and worked with to achieve a “brush-y” look.
Chris’ shelves. The block-maker, block-engraver, print-maker extraordinaire.