The Black Rain Engravings

by Timothy Simon Langton

Over two decades ago, Simon Lee Robson embarked on a journey far east, to the Land of the Rising Sun, seeking creative renewal on a sabbatical that would take him far from the bustling streets of the metropolis and into the quietude of a hidden print shop. The unassuming building, tucked away from sight, housed a traditional atelier where he would spend his days.

Here, surrounded by traditional tools and the faint smell of ink, he dedicated himself to the meticulous art of intaglio, engraving visions onto copper plates in a process that demanded both precision and patience. Inspired by the haunting beauty of Christian iconography and his own spiritual reveries, he set out to create a series that would capture the viewer's imagination and provoke thought.

These copper plates, engraved with careful lines and imbued with intention, held the essence of scenes from scripture: Daniel in the Lions' Den, Ezekiel’s Visions, The Apocalyptic Horsemen, and The Last Judgement, each depicted with almost devotional detail.

He also wove in his own dreams and fantastical interpretations, melding tradition with his unique aesthetic, which lent a contemporary edge to the work. These prints became revered pieces within the small community that viewed them but were soon locked away when he returned home, the original copper plates having since been lost or destroyed.

Now, after remaining unseen for over twenty years, Arte Delux and Simon Lee Robson have retrieved these Limited Edition intaglio prints from archival storage, allowing a new generation to witness their beauty.

The intricate details and intensity captured in these works serve as a reminder of the dedication, mystery, and quiet power that defined Simon Lee Robson's sabbatical in Japan, where he blended faith and fantasy into spectacular compositions that continue to resonate with audiences today.

THE BLACK RAIN ENGRAVINGS OUT 1ST DECEMBER 2024

A limited number of 10, 12, and 20, original intaglio prints of each engraved plate were produced. These prints are hand signed, titled, numbered, and dated. There is also, specially available, a rare chance to acquire the Artist's Proof of each artwork, as well as the Hors D' Commerce print for some of the pieces.

The spectacular Black Rain Engravings Collector Drop is available exclusively at the Arte Delux store.