Becca Thorne - Wood Engraving & Etching, UK

Butterflies and birds, field mice and bees – the artwork of English illustrator Becca Thorne hums with the authentic rhythm of nature. Cutting lino blocks and printing with colourful inks onto handmade paper, Becca’s deep connection with her subject comes through in every hand-crafted image she creates.

Becca’s enthusiasm for art, history and zoology rubs off on her clients, who are inspired by her genuine interest in these subjects. They know she has the knowledge, experience and professionalism to create the perfect imagery for their projects. Some of the world’s biggest editorial, publishing and conservation organisations turn to Becca for the traditional, handmade feel of her work. Nature and history are Becca’s passions and are the heart and soul of her work. Jackdaws hopping on decaying old castles, ancient burial chambers hidden on the moors and folklore from a lost age – all this and more is carved out in her prints.

Approach

Beginning with a pencil and sketchbook, Becca then develops roughs in Procreate. The relief for each colour layer of an image will be carefully carved into biodegradable linseed lino then hand printed using water-washable inks. After scanning, the layers are assembled and edited, if needed, in Photoshop.

Key Software

Procreate

Style

Becca’s style is bold and graphic, playful and textured, jaunty and eclectic. The hand of the artist and the happy accident enrich everything she creates, which is why people relate so readily to her style.

Awards

2024 - Shortlisted Communication Arts Illustration Competition - Editorial 2023 – Shortlisted World Illustration Awards – Science & Technology 2022 – Longlisted World Illustration Awards – Science & Technology 2017 – Shortlisted World Illustration Awards - Self-initiated 2011 – Longlisted AOI Images 33 2010 – Shortlisted AOI Images 32 2010 – Shortlisted Creative Review Illustration Awards 2008 – Winner of Harper Collins x Saatchi Gallery Book Cover Design Competition 2005 – Shortlisted Mercury Prize Art & Music

Client list

Clients include BBC History Magazine, The Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Cico Books, The Folio Society, Financial Times, Harper Collins, National Trust Books, Thames and Hudson, Waitrose, Waterfront Magazine for The Canal & Rivers Trust, Yale University Press and The Washington Post.