Cardiff illustrator Sue Shields produced a series of illustrations that were featured on Cadw gifts in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
I purchased a beautiful plate recently and got in touch with Sue to find out how she got involved in this project.
Lord and Lady Bute
Sue began her work with Cadw in 1989 when she designed a mug and artwork for a box of fudge. She recalls visiting the castle often to get inspiration and decide what to illustrate.
Her work also covered other Cadw sites, including Tintern Abbey.
She was working for the Wales Tourist Board at the time where created artwork for their regional guides.
Sue also worked for the Welsh Arts Council in the 1970s where she illustrated a series of poster poems.
The process for supplying artwork was very different at the time. Sue had to create ‘colour separations’, where linework and colours were sent separately.
These were recently reissued by Graffeg and can be purchased on their website.
Beautiful Birds
Tea Towel
Sue sent me this image of a tea towel that she also created for Cadw. It features a design inspired by the Aesop’s Fables mural from the Drawing Room at Castell Coch. The lettering uses Lombardic capitals, which can be found in medieval manuscripts.
Print Making Workshops
Sue is running a print making workshop in Radyr on November 17th with fellow artist Anne Gibbs.
Radyr Studios
19 Heol Isaf, Radyr, Cardiff, CF158AG
Thursday, November 17th – 10am until 4pm
Cost – £65
Professionally taught lino cutting workshop to explore printing methods, colour and collage possibilities.
Beginners welcome. All materials, tea, coffee and a soup lunch provided.
Please bring with you, protective clothing, drawings, photographs and anything else you would like to work from.
