Artwork
Hawksmoor at Spitalfields
Hawksmoor at Spitalfields is a print by Anne Julie Desmet. It dates from 2013 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
This is a print called *Hawksmoor at Spitalfields* by Anne Julie Desmet. It was made in 2013 using printmaking.
The print comes from a special group project. Twelve artists worked together on a set of parallel prints. They showed the work at the same time in New Zealand and the UK.
Check out the artist who made this—Desmet, Anne Julie.
Overview
*Hawksmoor at Spitalfields* is a 2013 print by Anne Julie Desmet. The work forms part of the Parallel Prints 2013 NZ‑UK portfolio, a collaborative series produced by Wharepuke Print Studio in Kerikeri, New Zealand. The portfolio was presented concurrently in exhibitions in the United Kingdom and New Zealand, showcasing the output of twelve participating artists.
Subject & Meaning
The image references the historic Spitalfields area of London, invoking the legacy of the 17th‑century architect and mystic Nicholas Hawksmoor. By juxtaposing his architectural motifs with contemporary urban scenery, the print invites reflection on the persistence of historical narratives within modern cityscapes.
Technique & Style
Desmet employed traditional printmaking methods, combining line work and tonal washes to render architectural detail with a muted palette. The composition balances precise draftsmanship with atmospheric shading, characteristic of her approach to translating architectural subjects into graphic form.
History & Provenance
Created for the Parallel Prints 2013 NZ‑UK project, the print was first shown in the dual launch exhibitions held in 2013 in both the UK and New Zealand. The portfolio, featuring artists such as Margaret Ashman, Duncan Bullen, and Weimin He, was produced under the auspices of Wharepuke Print Studio.
Context
The collaborative nature of the Parallel Prints series reflects a broader interest in cross‑cultural artistic exchange between the two nations. By situating a British architectural figure within a contemporary print, Desmet’s work contributes to the dialogue on how historical sites are re‑imagined through international artistic partnerships.
Artist & collection
Artist
Anne Julie Desmet makes layered prints of city scenes, zooming in on details like brickwork and rooftops.
