Margaret Mallows has always loved prints and has finally found the time to teach herself lino printing and dry-point etchings. Here she tells us how she came back to painting after a 40-year break.
‘Having drawn and painted from an early age, I left school at 16 and started working for the artist, Dennis Syrett, in his art shop. Dennis encouraged my painting and, in my teens, I exhibited for two years at the Mall Galleries in London. Life thereafter became very busy with work and family commitments leaving no time to create over the next 40 years. During that time my love of hand-made prints developed. They have a wonderful, unique quality, unlike paintings, and are an affordable way to own original art.
‘Three years ago I taught myself lino printing. I bought a starter kit and book and from the very first print, I was hooked. I wanted to learn everything about it. Within a short time, I had confidence in my work and began exhibiting locally and selling online. My work is now in collectors’ homes in 17 countries. This year I submitted work for the first time to the RA Summer Exhibition and had both prints shortlisted. Though not in the final selection, it was a step forward and encouraging. I continue to exhibit and sell locally and have submitted works for national exhibitions.