Listen to Meg – large handmade linocut inspired by Stone Circle Folklore

Description

This is my large megalithic-folkloric linocut ‘Listen to Meg’. limited variable edition of 12.

Long Meg and Her Daughters is a Neolithic stone circle in the Eden valley in Cumbria, not far from Penrith. Long Meg herself is a striking sandstone megalith, standing 12 feet tall just outside the circle. This print shows Meg alone against a dramatic sky, with the many circular rock art features that adorn one side.

Meg and the circle are steeped in folklore, and one such tale suggests that if you walk around the stones (once, perhaps twice) and count the number of them correctly, then when you put your ear to Long Meg she will whisper. Some variations have more sinister outcomes.

I came up with the rhyme:

‘Count the stones as ’round you walk, listen to Meg and she will talk’

to represent this. The tale is probably a modern addition to the many stories surrounding the stones, but no less entertaining for it.

I printed this on handmade Khadi paper, with irregular shape and deckled edges all around, your print will be supplied with a sheet of lighter, high-quality tinted art paper adhered behind, to bring out the highlights.

This print may be best displayed hung from clips or against a wall, but could just as easily be displayed in a suitably large frame. Please note the paper is very, very delicate and not suitable for any adhesive-based hanging – for example Blue Tack, or Control Strips. The translucent nature of the paper means it is best displayed close to a wall to exclude light from behind.

As the paper is variable, the print you will receive may differ in size, and may be irregular rather than rectangular. creases and imperfections – as seen in the photos – are a beautiful feature of this paper. As with all relief printing, variation in appearance is a natural part of the hand-finished lino print process.
The printed area has been aligned for best display but irregular edges may make it appear askew.

All my prints are created using a small press with some hand finishing. The print is produced using professional oil-based, relief printing ink.

Please note: The print will be supplied unframed, unmounted and gently rolled into a cardboard postal tube for safe transit. Please follow the enclosed guidance to prepare your print for display.

Print:
Paper size: variable, normally a little larger than 50cm x 80cm
printed area: 16 inches by 23 inches, approximately.
Titled, signed and dated in pencil.
This listing is for the khadi paper version of the print, alternative papers will be used in this edition and listed separately.

Delivery is free to addresses in England, Scotland and Wales.

Read more about Long Meg and her Daughters at the Modern Antiquarian