Martin Ridgwell, British b.1964
The Air of Other Summers, 2026

£1,500

Pencil on paper
Signed and titled (in margin)
53cm × 42cm (60cm × 50cm in mount), unframed

Martin Ridgwell is a prominent British artist and printmaker based in London. Recognized for his distinctive work in black-and-white etching and hand-cut paper silhouettes, Ridgwell’s practice stands firmly in the tradition of English figurative and narrative art. Born in London, Ridgwell earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Bradford Art College. He later completed his Master of Arts in Printmaking at Camberwell College of Arts.

Ridgwell's work is characterized by the graphic, highly detailed realization of narrative situations that balance dark humor with an underlying, slightly surreal edge. Specializing predominantly in monochrome etchings, his imagery explores complex, thought-provoking scenarios through meticulous line work. Beyond printmaking, he has spent over 15 years crafting intricate paper-cuts. Using a surgical blade—which he treats much like a drawing pencil—he carves silhouettes out of black paper to create striking, story-driven visuals.

Ridgwell was one of the original members of The London Printmakers and is an elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers. His works are widely exhibited across major British institutions and international galleries, including, Royal Academy of Arts (Summer Exhibition), Bankside Gallery, and the Mall Galleries. This work is a unique pencil drawing of a print of the same name, which is produced in an edition of 45.