Old Deal 1920

This is Henry Rushbury’s ‘Old Deal’, an etching made sometime in the first half of the 20th century. What strikes me is the layering of marks that construct the buildings and the boatyard scene. It’s built up with these delicate, almost nervous, lines, a real testament to the patience of the artist. Looking closely, you can see the physical impression of the plate, and how the ink sits on the surface of the paper. It gives the print a tactile quality, almost like you could reach out and feel the grit of the place. The light and shadow are particularly effective. See the way the light falls on the buildings, creating depth and atmosphere with just a few cleverly placed lines? Rushbury's work reminds me a bit of Whistler, in that he also used etching to capture the atmosphere of urban landscapes, but Rushbury brings a certain grittiness that feels very contemporary. There's no one way to look at this piece – let your eye wander and see what you discover.