The Black Rain Engravings | 2024

Simon Lee Robson

The Black Rain Engravings | 2024

Simon Lee Robson's spectacular original intaglio prints, part of a rare offering unseen for over twenty years, feature in The Black Rain Engravings | 2024 collection.

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Origins

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.

The origins of these prints trace back to Japan, where Robson spent a formative period immersed in traditional printmaking.

Inspiration

Inspired by the haunting beauty of Christian iconography and his own spiritual reveries, he set out to create a series that would capture the viewer's imagination and provoke thought.

These copper plates, engraved with careful lines and imbued with intention, held the essence of scenes from scripture, Daniel in the Lions' Den, Ezekiel’s Visions, The Apocalyptic Horsemen, and The Last Judgement. Each depicted with almost devotional detail.


Robson also wove in his own dreams and fantastical interpretations, melding tradition with his unique aesthetic, rooted in Christian 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.

Since then, the prints have remained out of sight, known only to a few who remembered their brief appearance two decades ago.

Reemergence

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 are also available, offering a rare opportunity to acquire these exclusive variants.

About

Simon Lee Robson

Originally from the quiet wilds of rural North Yorkshire, England, and now based in the leafy suburbs of North West London, Robson is known for his dreamlike, thought-provoking imagery that invites viewers to explore new dimensions of perception and imagination.

His most recent collections include Canvas Vault Part 2 | 2025 and Masterpiece Studies | 2025.

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