emma halliwell printmaker

New Zealand was one of the first countries in the world to put pictures of the countryside, birds and animals on it’s stamps.

“One Penny Kiwi” is my take on an iconic Kiwi stamp dating from 1935. The native flightless bird, a Kiwi, a well recognised symbol of New Zealand, is shown here with a backdrop of a cabbage tree and borders based on carved Maori door jambs. Originally designed by C.H & R.J.G Collins for a series of pictorial postage stamps.

“One Penny Lake Taupo” was New Zealand’s first two coloured stamp. Originally designed by Mr J Gaut for a public competition, it was first issued in 1898. The image represents Lake Taupo with Mount Ruapehu in the background and a cabbage tree on the left.

“Halfpenny Fantail” is derived from my favourite vintage New Zealand stamp. Originally designed by J Fitzgerald of Christchurch, it was printed in 1935. It depicts one of New Zealand’s best known birds, the fantail, a tiny yet sociable little bird that almost never sits still during waking hours as it flits from perch to perch. In the background of the design is one of the best-known flowers of the New Zealand bush, the clematis.

All printed on white Somerset paper. 56 x 76cm unframed. All prints £250 unframed.

A fresh take on the New Zealand 10 cent coin. This image comprises of a Maori carved mask or koruru (carved head) with Maori rafter patterns. Koruru are architectural features on large whare tupuna or wharenui (Maori meeting houses). A koruru’s face is also the face of the represented tupuna or ancestor. This New Zealand 10 cent coin was originally designed by Reginald George James Berry for coin production in 1967.

A range of lino prints in white, gold, blue, pink and green. All printed on either black BFK Rives paper or white Somerset paper. 56 x 76 cm unframed. £240 unframed. If you require framing, framed prints start from £450.

India has produced some of the most beautiful stamps in the world.

The “One Anna Three Pies” lino prints are based on a 1927 Indian postage stamp of King George V. Anna’s and Pies are currency formerly used in India, an anna was equal to 1/16 of a rupee and a pie was the smallest currency unit, equal to 1/12 of an anna.

The ‘Ajanta Elephant” lino prints are built on a rare stamp design from a 1949 stamp of an Ajanta panel from the caves at Ajanta, dating from 2nd century B.C. The Ajanta Caves have become an icon of ancient Indian art. 3ps represents three Pies.

All printed on white Somerset or black BFK Rives paper. 56 x 76cm unframed. All prints £250 unframed.

The “Thruppence Kookaburra” linoprint is an elaborate take on a stunning 1928 Australian stamp of the Kookaburra. Because they’re a native species of Australia, the kookaburra has become an icon in much of the country’s culture. Originally designed by H. Altmann for the 1928 International Philatelic Exhibition.

“Four Penny Koala” linoprint follows, a fabulous depicition of an Australian stamp first issued in 1937 of the native and iconic much-loved koala bear.

All printed on white Somerset paper. 56 x 76cm unframed. All prints £250 unframed.

Everyone loves a skull…

The King George V definitive stamps were based on the coinage designs of Bertram Mackennel, an Australian sculptor. They came in many denominations, such as this 10 pence stamp issued in 1913. These stamp designs were always beautifully symmetrical outside of the head profile. I’ve always preferred the linear design of King George V stamps rather than the sculptural designs of Queen Elizabeth, particularly since they lend themselves so well to lino cutting.

All printed on white Somerset paper. 56 x 76cm unframed. All prints £250 unframed.

A gorgeous linoprint derived from a 1925 postal stationery image, used on postcards, registered envelopes and letterheads. Representing the Irish harp in a stunning circular design.

Hand printed lino prints in either gold or army green. Printed on either black BFK Rives paper or white Somerset paper. 56 x 76 cm unframed. £250 unframed.

A little tribute to Queen Elizabeth II. St Edward's crown, worn at the moment of coronation of the queen in 1953.

An iconic symbol of New Zealand…the Royal New Zealand Air Force roundel with the kiwi in the centre was formally adopted in place of the red spot in 1970. The traditional roundel with a blue circle and red Kiwi is still in use today.

Printed on black BFK Rives paper. 56 x 76cm unframed. All prints £250 unframed.

An detailed linoprint based on a stunning American stamp design featuring Hollow Horn Bear, a Brulé Lakota leader. He fought in many of the battles of the Sioux wars.

Hollow Horn Bear (born 1850, died 1913) not only featured on this 1922 US postage stamp, he was also represented on a five dollar bill.

Although identified as simply an ‘American Indian’ the stamp was originally designed by Clair Aubrey Houston.

All printed on either black BFK Rives paper. 56 x 76cm unframed. All prints £250 unframed.

These etchings stem from an idea inspired by a printmaking session with a tutor at Heatherleys School of Fine Art in London. Out of a fear of using acid baths and anything toxic, I take tetrapak containers and recycle them after use, using them as a template to etch on. A personal favourite is the Napolina Tomato Passata container, recycled almost always after making Nigella Lawson’s Pasta with Meatballs for the kids!

I open out the tetrapak and use the inside to etch on. The structural layout, created on the inside of the tetrapak by the folds and corners of the cardboard, give the artwork a compartmental quality. Similar to the small boxes in museum drawers, the display cabinets in entomology collections and the orderly scientific drawings of insect species in an antique illustrative encyclopedia .

All etchings are printed in burnt umber brown ink to accentuate the warm antique tone of historical entomology drawings.

Printed with oil-based printing ink on white Somerset paper.

Zinc plate etchings of Clapham Common and Battersea Power Station.

Printed in Burnt Umber on Somerset paper. 27 x 37cm unframed.

A perfect addition to your kitchen wall!

All prints 27 x 37cm unframed. Burnt Umber on White Somerset paper.