Inspired by YSP's landmarks and vistas, A Printmaker's Landscape is a new exhibition of original linocuts by renowned printmaker Sarah Kirby.

Working from her garden studio in Leicester, Kirby uses oil-based inks to create original prints with a bold graphic quality that are inspired by public spaces, buildings, gardening, plants and trees. She is inspired by British public spaces, buildings, gardens, flora and fauna, and works out of her garden studio.

Kirby has been visiting YSP throughout 2023-24 to document her favourite walking routes and landmarks at the Park. She has sketched and taken photographs, discovering the various species of trees across the landscape unearthing new views and natural forms, from which she has created this new, unique body of work. All of the prints will be for sale, with prices from £150 to £350, with Own Art available. YSP is a charity, and all proceeds from sales support its work inspiring all people to enjoy and engage with art, nature and creativity.

Growing up next door to Cambridge University Botanic Garden, Kirby’s father was a plant physiologist who taught her the joys of gardening and inspired her to explore and interact with nature. She has spent her life building up knowledge about the future of nature, contemplating the existence of nature for people, plants, the future, the security of food production, and the preservation of trees and wooded areas.

Kirby uses a minimalistic but bold colour palette that reflects upon the typical and expected colours of the landscape, whilst including some unexpected elements. This is perfectly illustrated in the Camellia House series which depict her YSP visits during Spring 2023 when the Camellias were in full bloom. Here she uses the many shades of pinks and droplets of water on the glass panes distorting the pinks, making the entire space look like a magical stage set.

Kirby also employs iconic sculptures such as the Henry Moore Reclining Figure: Arch Legand legacy pieces such as Peter’s Foldand Shadow Fold Stoneby Andy Goldsworthy, as well as YSP’s historical buildings such as the Bretton Hall, the Bothy, the 18th century Chapel, the Greek Temple and the Shell Grotto. Pooling all of these features and attributes together, Kirby has generated an artistic map of YSP; an impressionistic illustrator’s view that culminates in A Printmaker’s Landscape.

Exhibition Accessibility

The exhibition is located in the Upper Space, main concourse, upper concourse and staircase. The Upper Space can be accessed by staircase or lift, located at either end of YSP Centre, and has flat access throughout. The works displayed on the staircase are not wheelchair accessible.

Sarah Kirby Products

Browse the Sarah Kirby collection at YSP Shop.