Wilmington Giant Print by Eric Ravilious
Painted in 1939 in watercolour, 'Wilmington Giant' depicts the iconic Long Man of Wilmington, a neolithic chalk figure which is located near the hamlet of Wilmington on the South Downs between Lewes and Eastbourne. Rolling green hills are depicted with a dry brush and hatching leaving the white of the paper to show through and lending the work a stylised quality. It is very much a scene of deepest England. Corn grows in the foreground while grey clouds part to reveal a patch of blue. The giant himself strides purposely towards the viewer but he is framed and with the wire fences that mark the boundary of the farmer's field. Why has Ravilious chosen to include them in his composition? These is always an element of mystery in his work and this is no exception. 
 
Ravilious was seemingly drawn to chalk figures (a uniquely British phenomenon) - perhaps they reference folklore and evoke the spirit of his native Sussex. He also painted the Westbury Horse in Wiltshire and the Cerne Abbas Giant, limited edition art prints of which are also available from our website.
 
If you would like to learn more about Eric Ravilious, his life and inspiration please visit our blog.