Inspired by the Liber Chronaricum, a book of woodcuts first published in 1493, the style has been twisted beyond recognition by Donwood, and the linocut is carved in a resolutely Medieaval style, with elaborately curled flames, Op-art waveforms and a stabbed leaden sky. The linocut was created specifically to be printed at St Bride’s Institute, based on photographs and observational drawings of Fleet Street.
Fleet Street Apocalypse was cut into linoleum by Stanley Donwood during January and February 2008. It was printed on 4th March, 23rd July and 3rd September 2008 by Stanley Donwood and Richard Lawrence at St Bride’s Institute, Bride Lane, Fleet Street, London, with assistance from Kim Vousden. The printing press used was made in 1844 in Finsbury, London by Hopkinson & Cope. The paper is acid-free archival quality Somerset White 300gsm satin, made at St Cuthbert’s Mill, Wells, Somerset, and the ink used is Cranfield Letterpress black. The print area is 25” x 38” (640mm x 970mm approx), and the paper size is 30” x 44” (760mm x 1120mm approx).
An original edition of 10 proofs was printed in March 2008, and an edition of 50 prints is available from www.slowlydownward.com. An additional edition of 40 prints was donated by Mr. Donwood to St Bride’s Insitute, and is available from them. The prints are priced at £750 each. The print is available from either Stanley Donwood’s website, www.slowlydownward.com, or from St Bride’s Institute.
Further information will shortly be available online at www.slowlydownward.com, if it isn’t already.
