“For me 2018 was all about moving back to the UK. After many years away (living in Berlin), and having learned and experienced a great deal, I finally felt it was time to take the plunge and start a new chapter in London. The first six months have been busy and exciting, so I can safely say it was a great choice!”

“I always find change quite hard to deal with, especially with regards to studio spaces and my working environment. However, all those fears were quickly banished – finding Sonsoles Print Studio helped. For me it’s really important to feel comfortable where I work and in Peckham, surrounded by lots of creative talent, I definitely began to feel at home.”

Attention to detail – Jonathan inspecting a screen (photo by David Post)

“Another highlight came late last October, when I went over to Atelier Indrukwekkend in Delft, to do some experimental monoprint workshops. I’d met Kirsten, the owner, while I was in Berlin and I was more than happy to head over and a share a few of my techniques with fellow printmakers. The studio is brilliant – so quaint and traditional, in the heart of the town, right on the canal, with all the necessary printing equipment to help you out.”

Layering form and colour to great effect (photo by David Post)

“In terms of exhibitions, it was great to finally take advantage of Tate Modern being just around the corner; the Picasso and Anni Albers exhibitions were definite highlights. Also a special shout out to Mark McClure and his solo exhibition at Foundry Gallery, and his fantastic collaboration with Campari just off Brick Lane ('The Mostra' – an art installation and bar). In my eyes that bar should have been made permanent. Cheers for the Negronis Mark!”

Exterior view of Mark McClure's 'The Mostra' – designed for Campari UK

“2019 is about continuing where I left off last year, but perhaps most importantly – working on a larger scale. I’ve tried in the past, but I’ve always gone back to my preferred formats… That’s natural, and not necessarily a bad thing. It’s more difficult than it sounds, but I need to force myself to make that next step and adapt my work to much larger formats.”

Inspired – work by a budding printmaker at one of Jonathan's Sonsoles workshops

“I’ve also set myself the task of collaborating more, with individuals and companies. Once such project I’ve been working on recently is a collection with a Spanish furniture and accessories company. The products are due to be released in Milan at Salone del Mobile later this year, so keep your eyes peeled. Hopefully it will go well and there’ll be plenty more in the coming months.”

Jonathan, hard at work in his natural habitat (photo by David Post) 

“On the workshop front, I’ve already done a couple at Sonsoles, and I’m booked in to do more in late April and mid May (book online here). I’m also doing a repeat trip to Delft (to Atelier Indukwekkend) to see my fellow Dutchies, spread some knowledge, and show them what I’ve been making during the last couple of months.”

'Acapulco 01', one of Jonathan's recent Look Up editions, on the drying racks at Sonsoles

“And of course I’ll be making some new Look Up editions in the not too distant future...”


Which is music to these ears, and to the many people following Jonathan's adventures in print. Click the links below to find out more and, coming soon: more 'Review/Preview' interviews with artists from the Look Up roster.


Jonathan Lawes on Look Up

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