What’s On: John Andrew - A Life In Letters, Red House Museum, Christchurch

AN exhibition celebrating the work of the Christchurch letter cutter and stone carver John Andrew is displayed at the town’s Red House Museum and Gardens until 15th October.

The retrospective exhibition celebrating John’s work as a gifted craftsman, reveals how his early experiences as an apprentice stonemason help shape a career that led to major public and private commissions.

Born in 1933, John undertook national service before studying at the Royal College of Arts, subsequently securing a role as assistant to celebrated Dorset-based wood engraver Reynolds Stone, undertaking intricate heraldry and headstone carving.

A long career at Bournemouth & Poole College of Art’s Design followed, and in addition to teaching graphic design, he undertook commissions for prestigious advertising companies and publishers designing book jackets.

His creative letter cutting resulted in distinctive memorial stones for Memorials by Artists – now the Lettering Arts Trust – and a major contribution to restoring the tradition of memorial craftsmanship. He later joined Poole Printmakers and, due to failing eyesight, often made linocuts of work he had previously cut in stone.

John’s gifted craftsmanship led to over three decades of collaboration with internationally renowned poet and artist Ian Hamilton Finlay. Some of the resultant work is held by Tate Britain and National Galleries of Scotland. The exhibition has been curated by biographer and art historian Dr Gill Clarke in collaboration with John’s wife, Pauline Andrew.

Red House Museum manager Laura Bullivant said: “The museum already had a connection with John as he gifted two of his last pieces to the museum in 2017. These can be seen in the museum’s herb garden. It’s an honour to share the fascinating story of this talented crafts person, artist and designer who lived among us in Christchurch.”

To find out more visit: www.hampshireculture.org.uk/event/john-andrew-life-letters