12 minute read
Arts & Crafts
Natural love
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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 fl ora and fauna
Philip 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 Anglesey, where he is never short of inspiration and subjects to keep him busy in the studio. Philip also holds sketching workshops across north Wales and loves to share his passion with visitors, artists and novices alike.
“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
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, “Philip’s Kyffin Williams RA, Bryn Terfel, Iolo Williams and Julian Pettifer. books are packed with intricate drawings” Philip’s latest book includes beautiful maps
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.”
The latest title to join Discover the fauna of Anglesey 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.
Cute and crafty
One Shropshire company has been using skill and precision to handcraft loveable and collectible bears for almost 100 years
Events taking place at Afonwen Craft and Antique Centre near Mold over the coming months
2nd & 3rd September, Holistic
Gifts by Angel Wings Jewellery with semi-precious stones, plus advice and guidance on the benefits of healing with crystals
4th & 5th September, local
artist Gill Benjamin Beautiful paintings, with seascapes, pets and local locations. Gill can take commissions.
10th September, Memory Bears
by Margaret Sutherland Mohair bears that can be dressed in your babies’, children’s and loved ones’ material to keep precious memories alive.
The UK’s oldest remaining teddy bear manufacturer, Merrythought, has been handmaking the quintessential English soft toy since 1930. Based in Ironbridge, the company has been producing bears in the same factory for nine decades. And even if the company isn’t one you’re familiar with, you will no doubt have seen its bears in TV shows and films including
Downton Abbey and Goodbye Christopher Robin.
The company’s managing director is Sarah
Holmes, great-grandaughter of one of the founders,
Gordon Holmes. She says that despite various challenges over the challenges over the past 18 months, the past 18 months, the future is bright for future is bright for Merrythought. “Last Merrythought. “Last year we celebrated our year we celebrated our 90th anniversary, and 90th anniversary, and although we couldn’t although we couldn’t mark the occasion mark the occasion how we would have how we would have wanted, it was still wanted, it was still an honour to reach an honour to reach Each bear is made by hand such a milestone,” says Sarah. such a milestone,” “Merrythought is a legacy that has lasted generation after generation and we’re immensely proud that we continue to handmake the finest quality teddy bears right here in Shropshire.”
Delicate process
Each bear goes through a delicate 15-stage process that is carried out largely the same way as it was 91 years ago. Its handmade nature means that every teddy bear that leaves the Merrythought factory door is unique and special in its own way. Merrythought is also known for its highprofile partnerships, having made bears for luxury brands such as Mulberry, Harrods and Fortnum & Mason.
This year the company is working with the Royal British Legion to mark its centenary. “We are honoured to be partnered with the Royal British Legion during such a milestone year,” says Sarah. “The charity is supported up and down the country and is hugely important to the British public, so we’re immensely proud to be a part of it.” Merrythought has created two special bears as part of the partnership. The Royal British Legion Centenary Bear, unveiled earlier this year, is a premium, collectable bear fully dressed in a detailed veteran’s outfit, complete with replica medals. The Royal British Legion Poppy Bear, to be launched this September, was created to celebrate 100 years of the Poppy Appeal.
“Everyone has their own personal links to the Forces and reasons to support the charity,” says Sarah. “For me, my grandfather Trayton Holmes proudly served in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War before going on to become the Merrythought managing director in 1949. Whether a gift for someone special or a memento to remember a loved one by, the Poppy Bear not only celebrates the huge milestone in the charity’s history, but I hope that it will be a much-loved member of people’s families for generations to come.”
Merrythought’s managing director, Sarah Holmes The Royal British Legion Centenary Bear
11th & 12th September, Jackie at Jewels
Handmade jewellery in different styles. Jackie is also able to repair some of your treasured pieces.
12th & 13th September, Sandra Roberts
Wonderfully unique silver jewellery.
25th & 26th September, Marie at Earth
Deva Unusual and quirky items, with many featuring a mythical theme.
8th October, Weaving with Trevor Blackburn
Gorgeous shawls and scarves, made using wool, silk, alpaca and camel, as well as some small leather items.
14th & 15th October, Eco Silver Jewellery by Sandra
Roberts Beautiful and unique pieces of jewellery, often inspired by nature, finished with pretty and unusual stones.
16th & 17th October, local artist Thelma
Evans Pretty paintings, mainly consisting of land and seascapes, as well as places of interest and flowers.
20th & 21st October, Handmade Jewellery by Elaine at Cherry Bea and Textiles
by Liz A lovely handmade jewellery collection, made with many stones and crystals.
26th October, Crafty Sisters Handmade jewellery as well as other craft items including tote bags and greetings cards.
Until 19th September, Tarek Lakhrissi: My Immortal, Oriel Mostyn, Llandudno
The first UK institutional solo exhibition by Tarek Lakhrissi, consisting of existing and new work comprising film, sculpture and text. Rooted in poetry, Lakhrissi seeks to challenge contemporary constructs of language and narratives around minoritised communities. www.mostyn.org
Until 19th September, The Mobile Feminist Library: In Words, In Action, In Connection, Oriel Mostyn, Llandudno
Publications and printed materials that explore historical and contemporary intersectional feminist activism in Wales. Brought together by artists Minna Haukka and Kristin Luke. www.mostyn.org
24th September12th November, Misshapes: The Making Of Tatty Devine, Ty Pawb, Wrexham
The first exhibition about design duo Harriet Vine and Rosie Wolfenden, who met at Chelsea College of Art and founded Tatty Devine in 1999. This exhibition features more than 100 pieces from the past 20 years, including early leather cuffs and piano belts and giant two-metre versions of their greatest hits, including a lobster and a huge banana, alongside sketchbooks and two new films. www.typawb.wales
Until 5th December, Curated Closet, Grosvenor Museum,
Chester The story of fashion is all about how people embrace the times they live in, altering their fashion depending on wars, recessions and pandemics to suit the materials available. To explore the inspiration behind the historic designs of its costume collection, Chester’s Grosvenor Museum is holding a free, fascinating exhibition with a fun fashion “catwalk” displaying clothes, jewellery and accessories from the 20th century from the museum’s collection of over 3,000 items. grosvenormuseum. westcheshiremuseums.co.uk
PERFECT POSTCARD
by Chris Bright
by Margaret Davies
by Callum Turner
by Helen Mardell by Sam Hulse
by Ken Lawrence
by Sam Hulse
What a great collection of images you sent in on the topic of Perfect Postcard – we feel like we’ve been on holiday just looking at them! Next issue, to celebrate the end of restrictions and the chance that gives us to see friends and family once more, our theme is Together Again – so, as you reunite and reignite those relationships, don’t forget to take your camera with you!
As always, the best entries will be printed on this page in our next edition – and we’re also excited to announce that the winning entry will receive a brilliant prize too: an amazing pair of binoculars. The
by Kenneth Davies by Claire Mottram
by Susan Jones
by Martyn Ruscoe
by Kathryn Hall by Sara Lilly-Jones
by Norman Marshall by Judith Dickinson
by Sue Hutchings
by Judith Kennedy
Bresser Sniper 7x50 Porro Prism binoculars retail at £25.99 and are great for any keen snapper or explorer to help them scope out their best shot. The prize comes courtesy of Carmarthen Cameras, which was established in 1998 and is proud to say it stocks the largest collection of new and used cameras and optics in the whole of Wales.
To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize, send your photographs to us at editorial@shiremagazine.co.uk. Good luck!
WIN!
