"In 2018 I was
working on a lithograph at the Curwen Studio, it was a four colour homage to
the work of Edward Bawden commissioned by Jennings Fine Art (see image). I was
using the now more usual modern surface of a zinc plate. I drew in pen, black
wax lithographic pencil and wash. While I was there one of the technicians
asked if I had ever drawn directly on to limestone, which was the older and in
fact the historic method of lithograph making. I had not. I was shown a
recently resurfaced stone. It had a clipped corner but was perfectly useable. 

The name of Eric Ravilious, one of Britain's greatest landscape artists was painted on the side of the stone. This seemed at
once both an invitation and a challenge. Asked if I would like to make an image
on the stone I jumped at the chance.

I drew using a black
lithographic crayon only. The surface was a delight to work on, very different
from the zinc plate. It was more like the finest paper with a pleasing texture.
The drawing was improvised and off the cuff but seemed to work. The stone was
processed and proofed. Neil Jennings very much liked the result and gave the go
ahead for an edition."

Ian Archie Beck 2023