This is a continuation of my post last but one on 2nd of October which I ended by saying that I just wanted to say a word about two of the artists at Plomesgate Fair.

First, Harry Becker, about whom I have written before. There was an excellent exhibition of his works, perhaps the most on display anywhere for a long time. In particular, many small lithographs illustrated his skill as a draughtsman, of animals especially. I select but two as examples, both (of course) of sheep and both lithographs:

Sheep on a Field 1901

Sheep in Shadows 1905

For comparison, here is Jason Gathorne-Hardy’s Rough Fell Ram in the wind, sketched on 19 June 2019 in graphite and earth pigment ‘washed in spring water.’ I love that last phrase – so Jasonesque.

 

And, since we’re majoring on sheep, for comparison with both artists here are real sheep photographed by this author at sunset on 20 September 2019:

These particular sheep, Manx Loaghtans and White-faced Woodlands, are part of the National Trust Orford Ness flock of Rare Breed sheep, grazing artistically for conservation management on Snape Warren under my day-to-day supervision. The Manx second from left, with a magnificent set of horns, is a ram called Brigadier. He is now guardian of the royal burial mounds at Sutton Hoo – a fine advertisement for our intensive 6-week course for ambitious sheep, recommended by OFBAA.