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Weeds by Robin Tanner

Weeds by Robin Tanner

© Crafts Study Centre, University for the Creative Arts

Tanner's commitment to his career in education separated his artistic practice into two quite clear periods, before 1946 and after 1970, when he had retired. The works by Tanner in the University collection cover both periods starting with one of his earliest etchings, 'Martin's Hovel', completed in 1927, to 'Gray's Elegy' completed in 1980. His subject matter, medium and style reflect the English landscape tradition, recalling in particular the work of the romantic pastoralist, Samuel Palmer. The inspiration for these etchings came from the Wiltshire countryside which he adored 'a world of pastoral beauty that could be ours if we did but desire it passionately enough'.