Illustrator Jane Porter’s interest in games goes back to childhood: memories of a cabinet full of cards, counters and other games paraphernalia at her grandparents’ house are among the inspirations for this show. Jane has underlined this nostalgic feel by choosing to illustrate games taken from books from the early 20th century.
The resulting nine limited edition prints give the games a contemporary and playful twist by featuring animals – each carefully chosen to suit the game. Each print begins with observational drawing, using an ordinary stick with Indian ink for bold, expressive mark-making and a dip pen for finer detail. These drawings are then combined with hand-cut paper stencils, images sourced from antique books and textures both hand-made and from an eclectic range of photographs using digital collage to create a distinctive look.
Visitors to the show are invited to participate – specially made games are available to play, and people can also add their games memories to a database. The prints also function as a prompt for the viewer to engage in their own imaginative or light-hearted games, variants on traditional or forgotten pastimes – and to try some of the illustrated games at home.
Jane is currently working on an illustration commission for London Zoo, and is also designing games and family activities for the National Trust. She is planning to develop the illustrations from ‘Compendium’ into a games and activity book.
The exhibition runs until 31 October 2009
PRIVATE VIEW
1 Ocotber 2009
18.00 - 20.00
Opening times:
Monday to Saturday
09.30 - 18.00
Closed on Sunday
To make an appointment
call +44(0)20 8871 2272
or email The Gallery