The Howitzer

13 x 10 cm

Wood engraving

Helm Crag is a fell in the English Lake District to the north of Grasmere. It is affectionately known to walkers and locals as “The Lion and Lamb”. At the summit, 405 metres above sea level, sits The Howitzer a canon shaped barrel of rock.

There are many satisfying routes up Helm Crag. It is an easy walk from the village of Grasmere. Along the way you’ll pass Lancrigg Crag, Jackdaw Crag and White Crag. If the weather’s good you’ll get stunning views across Easedale Beck to Easedale Tarn and the waterfall of Sour Milk Gill. From the ridge the summit of Fairflied becomes clear.

Alfred Wainwright wrote: “The virtues of Helm Crag have not been lauded enough. It gives an exhilarating little climb, a brief essay in real mountaineering.” It is listed in Alfred Wainrights’ top six crags, yet it is the only one that he did not stand on the summit.

These prints are original wood engravings. I engrave on boxwood or lemon wood blocks using traditional hand tools. Then I ink up the block and print the edition one at a time. Each print is an original artist print.

No. of prints in edition: 50

This print is made using Lawrence Original Linseed Oil Relief Ink. The formulas used to create these inks have been in use for hundreds of years and are “free from animal-based or derived ingredients, made with linseed oil, not honey or gelatine”. The paper is archival and acid free.

Each print is signed, dated and editioned in pencil below the image.