'The Mermaid of Zennor' linocut print

'The Mermaid of Zennor' linocut print.

Inspired by the Cornish folk tale of a curious woman who would occasionally attend services at the church in Zennor. One day a young man called Matthew followed her down to the coast and neither were seen again. A mermaid was caught by a group of sailors soon after and the village folk concluded this was certainly the same mysterious church goer who lured Matthew away. There is an anquitated carved bench at the church that depicts the mermaid.

There's also an enchanting song by Cornish folk singer and poet Brenda Wootton called 'The Mermaid' which inspire the words in the print.

'I heard thee sing in the Church above the Ocean
I heard thee sing, my Pretty Boy
Far from my jaunty palaces,
I have come to thee, my Pretty Boy

I, to thee, will give my maiden virtues
I, to thee, will give my maiden joy
Sleep within my ocean land
Sleep with me, my Pretty Boy, and live with me
Far away from earthly cares above;
Far away from earthly cares above

There is no Death any sweeter than my living
There is no Death where I belong
Far from the world of dying men
Come now, away with me, my Pretty Boy

Thou shalt be a prince among the princes
Thou shalt be a prince of high degree
Oh, man of beauty
Oh, men and maid, both are beautiful
Come away with me, beneath the Sea
Come away with me, beneath the Sea

Green, are mine eyes, as the waters of the Ocean
Red, mine hair, my Pretty Boy
White, mine breasts, upon the waves
All I will give to thee, my Pretty Boy

Soft, mine arms, that I shalt put around thee
Soft, too, my lips that I shalt yield
Deep within our Ocean bed
Deep within, my Pretty Boy, just you and I

Far away from earthly cares above
Far away from earthly cares above
Far, far away
Far away'

A three colour print on Canaletto Velino 160gsm white paper, printed with Caligo oil-based ink. The paper measures approximately 29.5cm x 41.5cm. A small signature and edition number is located at the bottom of the print. The edition run is seventy five.

Each print may vary ever-so slightly as they are printed by hand. It's all part of the charm of linocut printmaking.

For more process pictures and videos take a look at my Instagram page. https://www.instagram.com/matpringle

Prints will be sent in strong card tubes by Recorded Delivery.