i've never worked on the ground floor (#5)

After 18 months of working for Henrion, I gave up on designing. And, yes, it was a direct consequence, but I'm not going to go into that just here. Suffice it to say that when you look back on a career, it's surprising how quite momentous changes turn on what might appear to be chance circumstances. Which, in a way, is how I became an archaeological illustrator.

I did that for four years - and became rather expert at drawing Samian pottery, apparently. But after four years I'd done all that I could do. 

I'd drawn this Anglo-Saxon cast bronze strap end, which is perhaps my most accomplished illustration, and there was nowhere else to go.

And then one day a friend who worked for the English Tourist Board knocked on the door and asked for advice on preparing some artwork for a map. "I could do that" I said. And that knock on the door set me on a course of self-employment and a gradual return to designing.

And to the second floor of this building and a little studio above a barber's shop.

I didn't know it then, but I was to go on to design for the English Tourist Board (which became the English Tourism Council and then Enjoy England) for the next 25 years.

Comments

[Surf98]

I remember your studio well, and for a short while worked on the floor below (in 1982-3) we thought you were so cool.
I used to get my hair cut at the barbers every third Friday.
It all seems a very long time ago now.
Good memories.