Taera Bretland - Blaeu British Isles | Kristjana S Williams

Taera Bretland, Blaeu British Isles, a stunning limited edition gilcee print on paper by Icelandic artist Kristjana S Williams.

The story behind the artwork: 

A celebration of life on the British Isles, ‘Taera Bretland’ translates as ‘Clear Britain’, the islands of Great Britain here sitting in a crystal clear sea. This stunning map based artwork reveals fascinating details in every corner, but not necessarily where you might expect them…

An aqua glow from the surrounding ocean lifts the land closer, whispering of its treasured secrets and cherished achievements. Here, the snaking Thames weaves its way not just through the capital, but across the whole country, connecting counties and unifying these Great British Isles, feeding colour popping flora and fauna along its path. Iconic and beloved landmarks rise like beacons, marking the steady flow of irrepressible revolution and impressive invention. In the spotlight, Murdoch’s ill-fated Titanic, Wren’s triumphant St Paul’s and Davy’s revolutionary lamp, rubbing noses with literary pioneers Dickens, Austen and Golding, and British icons Churchill and Chaplin. A bejewelled Ostrich, former resident at the Tower, stands haughtily atop the Truman Brewery; a regal stag, dapper in thimble hat and coiled suit of measuring tape, heads towards Saville Row’s Golden Mile; the subtropical splendour of Tresco Abbey has left its island home to perch in the Scottish Isles and The White Chapel Gallery, sits proudly, testament to Britain’s ‘New Generation’ post war art. A teasing glimpse of the continent affirms Great Britain's close ties with its European neighbours; an early Breeches Buoy rescue device symbolises unity in the face of threat and danger.