Book Review of HJ Jackson "Drawn to Print"

The work of some people just leaves you feeling inspired but inadequate! Is that enough said?

This is a really brief and to the point book review at this book published by Mascot Media. Mascot media has specialised in art books mainly based about printmakers in Norfolk. It has produced some fantastic books over the years but alas is going to stop printing soon, it's a real loss, but I'm sure it will be possible to get second hand copies through the likes of Amazon. It's well worth checking out their books if you're interested in printmaking.

Book cover

Title Page

Somebody brought me this book to look at, when I was in invigilating in the gallery a while ago and I just had to have a copy. HJ Jackson is local to Norfolk UK and has been working in printmaking since the 1950s. His earlier prints are quite gritty focusing on a side of Norwich (in particular) that has long since disappeared. Lots of industrial buildings and terraced housing. The older prints too are often sombre in colour reminding me of the work of other artists of the same period. However his more recent work, boats and agricultural buildings for example, are much brighter by comparison and have an altogether different feel to them.

The book contains drawings and the resulting print side by side, it's a lesson in getting it right before you start and I'm picking up that lesson and going with it. There are some fabulous textures to the prints that are noteworthy and inspiring

I found these prints particularly useful but the entire book is worth a look

Mariners Lane 1960

Drawing and print of Grove Garage 1964

Drawing of Grove Garage, 1964

Print of Grove Garage, 1964

Print with drawing below, Coming Ashore, 2002

This book was written by Alan Marshall and published by him, Mascot Media, in 2023.

Link to website