In 2011 one of the Press’ most important books was published, Long Live Great Bardfield, the autobiography of Tirzah Garwood (since republished by Persephone Books, see here). At 155,000 words, the text meant that the 300 illustrations had to be very carefully included, and inevitably, a lot of Tirzah’s wonderful art was omitted. It was intended to publish this companion volume within a short time, but I am now thrilled that this is the Press’ new book. It matches the format of the autobiography.

Tirzah married Eric Ravilious in 1930, after meeting him when he taught her at Eastbourne School of Art. She was a promising wood engraver who developed a style of wry social observation based on the peculiarities of the English social class structure. Receiving little outright success she moved on within five years to develop her skills as a pattern designer, then marbled papers, arguably her most important work, and then – after tragically losing Eric while he was working as an Official War Artist – she flourished as modeller of houses, and as an oil painter.

Tirzah’s relatively short life was marked by long periods of ill health but she left the world a body of truly creative work which is fully documented here by her daughter Anne Ullmann, whose sensitive and perceptive text has already moved several readers to give thanks for it. As Tirzah’s work continues to gain renewed appreciation, a new website has been created by her family to celebrate her work and life, see www.tirzahgarwood.co.uk.

The book is now published, 475 copies (435 for sale), and comprises 235 pages bound in a replica of one of her loveliest marbled papers over boards, size 320 x 240 mm.

Now down to the final ten copies, the price is £242 plus £10 postage.

A prospectus (though bearing an earlier, preliminary title) is available on request.

To order this book, Hornet & Wild Rose: The Art of Tirzah Garwood, please email me at simon@fleecepress.com (the button below can be used if you have email set up on your device’s Mail app) or call me on 07535 220869.