A HAMPSHIRE house is hosting an exhibition of wood carvings by a Winchester artist. 

Gilbert White’s House & Gardens, in Selborne, near Alton, is showcasing the wood engravings of artist Kate Dicker until October 6. 

It is offering people a unique opportunity to delve into the meticulous world of wood engraving.

Kate Dicker is a professional artist and printmaker. After leaving Camberwell College of the Arts (1980-83) she embarked on a personal project drawing The Working Horses of London at their locations, which became an exhibition in Chelsea with several works now in the museum archive of The Royal Artillery.  

In Hampshire her subjects have included a foundry (Hampshire Cultural Trust archive collection), laundry (private collection) and the River Itchen.

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Holy Vale by Kate Dicker  (Image: Contributed)

Wood engraving is a traditional printmaking technique, in which an artist works an image into a block of wood. Functionally a variety of woodcut, it uses relief printing, where the artist applies ink to the face of the block and prints using relatively low pressure. Kate Dicker's mastery in this medium can be seen through her diverse range of styles, each piece telling a story of patience, precision, and artistic vision.

The exhibition also features the work of her masterclass students Charles Harries, Jutta Manser, Jonathan Miller, Jan Slater and Maggie Storm. Additionally, many prints on display will be available for purchase, offering art enthusiasts and collectors a chance to own a piece.

Wood-cut illustrations have played a big part in Natural History from naturalist artist Thomas Bewick to Eric Ravilious and Gertrude Hermes, who are among the many artists whose images have been included in editions of Gilbert White’s The Natural History of Selborne. 

This exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in wood engraving and is free with admission through the summer months. Kate Dicker will also be running art workshops during the exhibition. 

For more information see gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk.