Owen Legg: The Fragmentation of the Image

Full Description

“I QUALIFIED MB,BS from Guy’s Hospital in 1959 and thought that I would make my way forward in surgery. But I failed my FRCS and instead started in General Practice in Tonbridge in 1966. Before leaving London I had started painting seriously and exhibited at the open air event on the Embankment.

While newly arrived I heard about a printing course at Tunbridge Wells Adult Education Centre. Once started I was hooked. I began to print a series of Limited Edition prints using the press there for 7 years before acquiring my own Soldan proofing press. There I printed my first book using linocut lettering for the text.

With the run-down of the printing industry in Tonbridge, I was able to acquire type and equipment to allow me to begin printing letter-press books and am now producing my 19^th volume. Text and prints combine to make interesting reading. The choice is eclectic and varies from medieval volumes to modern poems, Viking sagas to topographical work. Edition sizes vary between 10 – 200, depending on energy and difficulty of printing.

Retirement came in 1999 and I have continued printing in the studio, but the rate of production has remained about the same. I must be slowing down! I am now on my 19^th book which in Autobiographical as it contains many of the small cuts which I have made over the past 60 years.

At the same time I have done a small amount of painting, but varied my activities with making 3D wall-hanging objects. Furniture, which is at the same time usable and is based on simple shapes, is dotted around my house.”

–  Owen Legg 2024