Angie Lewin in the garden

I am mad for British artists — especially printmakers — whose style is at once decorative and informative, if you can picture that. For me, that group includes the late Eric Ravilious and Edward Bawden, and the very much alive Angie Lewin, whose work can be seen at St. Jude's Gallery.

I was immediately smitten with Lewin's work the first time I saw it, not only because of her style but because I own a Coronation mug like the one depicted in her print (above). At the time I first saw that print, there were still a few copies for sale. They cost more than I could afford and now the edition is sold out. But I've discovered a way I can own a bit of Lewin's work.

 ANGIE LEWIN

A new garden anthology, "Garden Wisdom," compiled by Leslie Geddes-Brown, features 20 full color illustrations by Lewin. According to a description by the book's publisher, it features "practical advice" from over 50 eminent gardeners. You'll find Monty Don, Piet Oudolf, and Gertrude Jekyll along with:

"the elegant prose of Sir George Sitwell, evoking the sea-maidens and gold-red fish that might lurk beneath the surface of a water-basin to Vita Sackville-West describing the glories of the scent of thyme and Anna Pavord recounting her tribulations and triumphs with tulips ..."

While you can order "Garden Wisdom" from any number of on-line sources, you might consider using The Book Depository in the U.K. (an unfortunate name choice, however, for an American of my generation). I recently ordered Monty Don's "The Ivington Diaries," from this on-line site after being alerted to both the book and the site by the lovely Cornflower. I was absolutley amazed at the service. The book was listed with a U.K. publication date of October 5. I ordered it on Sunday, Sept. 27 and had it in hand before the end of the week. 

Not only that, but the Book Depository offers free world wide shipping — and the prices on their site are given in U.S. dollars which is always helpful. Though the discount on "Garden Wisdom" is only ten percent, who knows when or if it will be published here in the U.S. Knowing I can order it so easily on the Depository site, makes me much more likely to keep making impulse buys as these wonderful English titles are introduced.  

Comments

[Deborah at Kilbourne Grove]

Linda, you are constantly ahead of me. I love Monty (would leave my husband for him) and have all of his books, even The Prickotty Bush (which no one has ever heard of). I just read about the Ivington Diaries yesterday, and here you already have it.

[LINDA from EACH LITTLE WORLD]

I think "The Jewel Garden" is one of the best books ever — gardening or otherwise. They are an amazing couple with an equally amazing garden. But reading about them, you realize life has not been the piece of cake it appears at first glance. I've heard of The Prickotty Bush but never read or even seen a copy, so you have me there!

[Sarah Laurence]

That is really helpful to hear about the Book Depository for English titles and free shipping! Those are nice botanical prints.

I reviewed a Wisconsin author's new release today and thought of you since it set in Madison: But Not for Long by Michelle Wildgen. You'll like the food/farming angle of it too.

[Julie Siegel]

Linda: Thanks, as always, for expanding my world! Love the Angie Lewin images (pink & grey an eternal combo). Looked up the other two on-line and really like the Edward Bawden's work two. Quite different are his somber WWI watercolors at The Tate. Did you see those?

[Helen at Toronto Gardens]

Linda,

I'm also a fan of the work of illustrators, and these are particularly appealing. Thanks for the link, which I've bookmarked.

[LINDA from EACH LITTLE WORLD]

These are all great folks and I'm sure you'll enjoy having that link.