Anne Irby Crews RBSA
February 25 - April 5
Anne Irby Crews has had a long and varied career as a versatile printmaker, watercolourist, and teacher. Born in Sandgate, Kent in 1927, she studied at the Central and Camberwell Schools of Art from 1946-51. After gaining a diploma in printmaking from Leamington Art School in 1990, she went on to be a founding member of Birmingham Printmakers. She was engaged in film and theatre work for some years and taught at various institutions, including King Edward’s School in Handsworth and Solihull College of Technology.
Anne was elected as an Associate of the RBSA in 1999, becoming a Member in 2000. Her work has been exhibited widely, including at the Royal Academy Summer Show, with one-woman shows held at venues such as Lichfield Cathedral. She also illustrated the book Solid Citizens: Statues in Birmingham (author Bridget Pugh), published in 1983.
For the past 30 years, Anne has focused mainly on printmaking, producing lithographs, collagraphs, wood cuts, and cyanotypes inspired by both the natural world and myths and legends. She also created a series of icons after visiting the quiet, sacred interiors of Russia’s Orthodox churches. Her work explores both the visible and invisible world, as well as ideas around appearances, the meaning of symbols, and visual messages.
Exhibition ends: Saturday 5 April 5.00pm
Image: Anne Irby Crews RBSA, St Francis and the Wolf