Dear Gawain supporter,
About three years ago I was approached by Michael Eden, a lecturer at the University of the Arts, London (UAL) who is conducting PhD research exploring the relationship between landscape, monsters and subjectivity. His research uses as its focus the fourteenth century masterpiece, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and, as part of the research, Michael has drawn together illustrators and artists who have all been influenced by the poem.
I was delighted to be approached to be part of this; more that the gathered work includes such fabulous artists as Clive Hicks-Jenkins (whose work recently supported one of the Simon Armitage editions of the poem), Dorothea Braby, Roy Morgan and John Howe. You may know some of these artists already; almost certainly, much of their work will be recognisable to you.
It's a fabulous project, and for me an honour for my work to be selected to feature within it. To see the website, learn about the artists and to see examples of their stunning artwork, take a look at it here.
Your support for my work has enabled the illustrations from my translation of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight ultimately to feature on this website; I remain very grateful to you for this and for your support over the years.
Support my latest illustrated translation
In the meantime, if you have not yet done so and would like to support my latest illustrated translation of a mediaeval Middle English poem, please consider supporting William of Palerne - William and the Werewolf - which is currently 70% funded. As with Sir Gawain and King Arthur's Death (the Alliterative Morte Arthure), William and the Werewolf is also illustrated with linocut prints featuring elements of the story (some of which are available as pledge options).
My new book needs more support to enable it to go ahead so if you would like to support this, the first translation of this poem for many decades, please follow this link. Your name will feature in the back as a patron too - and I will be forever grateful to you for enabling me to bring these fabulous mediaeval romances to newer audiences!
Thank you again for all your support.
Michael Smith
Translator and Printmaker
