Breathing in the Mountain's Heart (Hors de Commerce) (2001)

Following The Black Rain Engravings | 2024, Part 2 of this special collection for 2025 presents an expanded selection of Simon Lee Robson’s rare and masterfully crafted original intaglio prints, unseen for over twenty years.

Over two decades ago, Robson embarked on a journey to the Far East, to the Land of the Rising Sun, seeking creative renewal on a sabbatical that would take him far from the bustling streets of the metropolis and into the quietude of a hidden print shop. The unassuming building, tucked away from sight, housed a traditional atelier where he would spend his days. Here, surrounded by traditional tools and the faint scent of ink, Robson dedicated himself to the meticulous art of intaglio, engraving visions onto copper plates in a process that demanded both precision and patience.

In contrast to the previous collection, in which Robson explored the haunting beauty of Christian iconography, the second part draws on the profound philosophy of Buddhism and his own spiritual reveries, resulting in a series designed to capture the viewer’s imagination and provoke thought. On these copper plates, engraved with careful lines and imbued with intention, Robson wove in his dreams and fantastical interpretations, melding tradition with his unique aesthetic, rooted in Buddhist influences, which lends a contemporary edge to the work. These intaglio prints became revered pieces within the small art community that viewed them, but were soon locked away when he returned home to England, with the original copper plates having since been lost or destroyed.

Now, after remaining unseen for over two decades, Simon Lee Robson and Arte Delux have retrieved these original intaglio prints from archival storage, allowing a new generation to witness their beauty. The intricate details and intensity captured in these works serve as a reminder of the dedication, mystery, and quiet power that defined Robson’s sabbatical in Japan, where he blended faith and fantasy into spectacular compositions that continue to resonate with audiences today.

A limited edition of original intaglio prints were produced from each engraved plate. Each piece is hand-signed by Simon Lee Robson. Accompanying the main edition, a small number of Artist’s Proofs and Hors de Commerce editions are available, offering a rare opportunity to acquire these exclusive variants.

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Arte Delux is an online gallery with customers around the world, and we specialise in free international shipping for all artworks*. We use FedEx to send all orders safely and efficiently, with delivery duty paid, which means no hidden fees. Learn more

*Excluding Simon Lee Robson’s Masterpiece Studies | 2025 collection, for which shipping costs will be shown at checkout.

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All artworks are securely packaged to ensure safe transit. Framed artworks (small to medium), are protected with reinforced cardboard corner guards and an additional layer of cardboard over the surface to minimise any risk of damage. Large artworks are bubble-wrapped for added protection to ensure safe arrival. Each artwork is placed in a heavy-duty, rigid, corrugated cardboard box made from recycled materials. Rolled fine art prints are carefully wrapped in tissue paper and shipped in a sturdy cardboard tube.

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The majority of our original and limited edition artworks are hand-signed by the artist, either on the front or reverse. Limited editions are also hand-numbered. If you’re unsure about a particular piece, feel free to contact us for confirmation.