Sybil Andrews is renowned as a founding member of the London-based Grosvenor School of Modern Art (1925 – 1940), focused on avant-garde linocut printmaking. Using this accessible, “democratic” medium, members of the school captured the speed and movement of the machine age through their use of bold colour and dynamic rhythm, with subjects ranging from industry to sport to urban life.

In 1947, Andrews immigrated to Canada with her husband, Walter Morgan, a co-worker from the Hythe shipyard where they had worked during World War II. After moving to Campbell River, BC, Andrews built a studio on her rural property at Willow Point and continued to produce art. In 1960, she began to offer private art lessons at her home.

The consignor of this work was part of a group of aspiring lino printmakers mentored by Andrews in Campbell River from about 1980. She purchased this print directly from the artist.

Peter White observes of this image: “The impression of sweeping, elemental force comes vividly to life through the exaggerated distortions of the trees and road, the rhythmic stabbing accents, and an overall darkened tone. In these, as in all of Andrews’s linocuts, their arresting impact results from the unusual contrast that exists between her familiar … subjects and the highly decorative and animated style that is used to interpret them.”

Stephen Coppel notes that early impressions of this print are on buff oriental laid tissue, and later printings are on thicker paper. This is a superb impression with vibrant colours.