23 x 23 cm

Edition: 50

This was commissioned by the National Trust in Cornwall. They didn’t want a “postcard”, they wanted to show all aspects of the Cotehele estate as a thriving place, enjoyed by people of all ages. The house stands high above the River Tamar which is shown at the edge of the engraving with people fishing and the famous Shamrock cruising by.

I was particularly struck by the number of archways leading to further archways and hidden corners. This shape is then echoed by the form of the dovecote and doorways of the outbuildings. There was a secret window from the main bedroom into the grand entrance hall where the household could spy on visitors and this is shown with the view that might have been seen.

The engraving is on a slice of boxwood with the bark still attached. It must have been several hundred years old.