Arts&Crafts
Natural love
Artist, illustrator and writer Philip Snow has been obsessed with nature from a young age and now creates stunning artwork dedicated to all aspects of flora and fauna
P
hilip Snow was born in Cheshire in 1947 and, by his own admission, spent much of his youth as a “wandering hippie” before settling down to complete a BA in graphics at Manchester Polytechnic. He has lived most of his life since in a cottage in Malltraeth on “Philip’s Anglesey, where he is never short of books are inspiration and subjects to keep him packed busy in the studio. Philip also holds with sketching workshops across north Wales and loves to share his passion intricate with visitors, artists and novices alike. drawings” “I have exhibited in most of London and Wales’s top galleries and venues, like the Design Centre, the Barbican, Mall Galleries and the Association of Illustrators Gallery, as well as here in my adopted home of Wales at Oriel Ynys Môn, Oriel Eryri, St David’s Hall, Tegfryn Gallery and the Mostyn Gallery,” says Philip. “My work has featured in the National Eisteddfod and Beaumaris Festival, as well as touring with the Royal Academy exhibition British Art in the Gulf States and several other countries.” When Philip isn’t gazing at his island home, he dedicates a lot of his creative time to another collection of islands – specifically those in Scotland, where he delights in capturing sketches of otters, ospreys and eagles. His work is available to buy as originals or limited-edition prints, or in one of Philip’s beautifully illustrated Philip’s latest book includes beautiful maps
books, packed with intricate drawings and stunning sketches. Much of the income from these ventures is donated to causes close to Philip’s heart, including North Wales Owls Trust, Glaslyn Ospreys, Friends of Anglesey Red Squirrels Trust and Christian charities based across the developing world. Philip’s artwork can be found in many private, public and even royal collections, including those of HRH The Prince Charles, the National Library of Wales, National Museum of the USAF, USA Falconry Archives, the RSPB, Kyffin Williams RA, Bryn Terfel, Iolo Williams and Julian Pettifer.
Divine drawings
“My books are the result of over 30 years work and investigation into the natural world and reflect my deep Christian commitment and concern for our future – never more in peril than now,” says Philip. “Although I have contributed illustrations or painted covers for over 70 books, including Collins Field Guides, and many magazines, prints, cards, reserve maps and leaflets, the collection of books I’ve both written and illustrated is quite small.” Discover the fauna of Anglesey The latest title to join this list is Anglesey Naturewatch, which covers 50 wildlife reserves in Anglesey, rendered in vibrant watercolours with maps. It has a glowing foreword by Iolo Williams and is the result of more than 30 years of work. It features words and pictures of the area’s most important flora and fauna, including plants, fungi, mosses, lichens, insects, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and, of course, many birds. There is also helpful information on the island’s walks, scenery, leisure and history. Anglesey Naturewatch by Philip Snow is available from Amazon
98 SHIRE MAGAZINE | September/October 2021
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