The Lady of Shalott (2026) Screenprint by Tim Southall

This artwork draws inspiration from The Lady of Shalott, the lyrical ballad by 19th-century English poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson.

The Lady of Shalott lives in an isolated castle on an island in a river that flows towards Camelot. Bound by a mysterious curse, she is forbidden from looking directly upon the outside world. Instead, she is condemned to view life through a mirror, which reflects the busy road, the people of Camelot, and the world passing by her secluded island.

One day, she catches sight of Sir Lancelot in the mirror and becomes captivated by him. Unable to resist, she turns away from the mirror and looks directly out of her window, breaking the terms of the curse. Knowing there is now nothing left to lose, she leaves her castle and sets herself adrift upon the river, floating towards Camelot and her inevitable fate.

In my interpretation of the story, I have sought to move away from the sense of gloom and tragedy found in many previous depictions. Instead, I wanted to create an image of serenity, freedom, and escape — capturing the moment of release as the Lady of Shalott leaves behind her confinement and drifts peacefully towards the unknown.

Materials used:

water based acrylic ink on a heavyweight handmade paper

Details:

• Screenprint on Paper
• From a limited edition of 50
• Size: 70 x 50cm (unframed) / 60 x 40cm (actual image size)
• Signed and numbered on the front
• Style: Illustrative
• Subject: Landscapes, sea and sky

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