The Joy of the Mountains

John Harrison is an amazing man. He died on a mountain trying to save four young chaps in 1966 at the age of 33. Not only was he a pioneering mountaineer, but also a fantastic graphic artist. His story has totally captured me.

Here's some of what the designs look like for the book on his amazing journey that John Wilson is about to publish. 

I've spent this afternoon printing some beautiful old wood blocks of John Harrison's drawings that we want to use on the chapter heads (down were you see the boots on the above spread). It feels like such a privilege to able to hold these historic items and to have the opportunity to take a print from them. I just have to record it here and feel so lucky that I do the job that I do.

If you ever get a chance to read this book when it's published, I highly recommend it. A truly amazing and inspirational life story. Passion— it really is what the world is about.

There's about 10 in total and the lead image is attached to the blocks with tiny little tacks ... so special.

23 August 2012

The cover is just about finished now as well and I need to add it here too.