Helen Fay studied BA(Hons) Fine Art Printmaking at Sunderland University, followed by an MA at The Royal College of Art in Natural History Illustration. Now based in Glasgow, her work is in demand with collectors all over the world. Normally very small editions, Helens etchings go beyond the realms of Natural History Illustration.
The composition, scale, skill and beauty of her work pushes them beyond any classification of etchings or natural history subjects and they stand as a significant fine art statement which appeal to a wide range of collectors. Monochromatic, moody, sometimes densely worked, they capture the magnificence of the natural world in a timeless yet contemporary way.
Her many awards and exhibitions are a testament to her unique approach and talent.
In 1992 she won the Sheila Robinson Memorial Prize for drawing at the RCA; a travel scholarship to India in 1994 from the Northern Arts Travel Award;
Helen's many selected exhibitions include a 2 person show at The House for an Art Lover, Glasgow; National Print Exhibition at The Mall Galleries; Museum of Modern Art, Oxford, Christmas Exhibition; Royal Birmingham Society of Artists National Print Exhibition. Helen's work is much in demand through a selected range of UK galleries.
Higher Education
1990-1992
Royal College of Art, London. M.A. (R.C.A.) Natural History Illustration.
1987-1990
Gd Sunderland University. B.A. Hons Fine Art Printmaking
1986-1987
Su Newcastle College of Art and Design. Foundation Studies in Art and Design.
Training
2003
Attended seminars on teaching Complex Needs and Autistic Children and on Child Protection. Organised by Glasgow City Council.
1990
Attended course on Natural History Art at the British Museum of Natural History.
1989
Tow week placement at Charlotte Press printmaking studio, Newcastle.
International
2000
Drawing trip to San Diego Zoo, USA.
1997
Drawing trip and visits to printmaking studios in South Australia and Victoria.
1996
Visit to Juan y Pilar Miro Foundation, Mallorca, as a representative of the Oxford Printmakers Co-operative.
1994
Drawing trip to Northern India and visit to the Rajasthan Cultural Research Institute.
1992
Member of the “Flor del Bosque” Rainforest Conservation Trust expedition to Los Cedros cloud forest reserve.
Published Work
1993
Front cover and illustrations for the New Scientist Magazine.
2002
Work shown in lifestyle section of the Sunday Times Newspaper.
Prizes and Awards
1996
Cupola Gallery Fifth Anniversary Exhibition – First Prize.
1994
Northern Arts Travel Award for trip to India.
1992
Sheila Robertson Memorial Prize for Drawing, Royal College of At.
Exhibitions 2003
Hartworks Gallery, Devon. Group exhibition with an animal theme.
Cupola Gallery, Sheffield. Drawing exhibition.
Wiseman Gallery, Oxford. Group show with an animal theme.
Art 2003, Islington, London. With Compass Gallery and Glasgow Print Studio.
Glasgow Art Fair with Compass Gallery, Glasgow Print Studio and Wills Art Warehouse.
Exhibitions 2002
Compass Gallery, Glasgow. Christmas Exhibition.
Glasgow Print Studio. Christmas Exhibition.
Wills Art Warehouse, London. Christmas Exhibition.
Glasgow Print Studio. Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Awareness Charity Auction.
Kelvingrove Art Galleries and Museum, Glasgow Print Studio 30th Anniversary Exhibition.
Ice House, Holland Park, London. Three person show.
Battersea Contemporary Arts Fair, London
Jelly Leg’d Chicken Gallery, Reading. Printmaking Exhibition.
Art 2002, Islington, London. With Compass Gallery and Glasgow Print Studio.
New York Art Fair, Exhibiting with Will’s Art Warehouse.
Exhibitions 2001
Bowie and Hulbert Gallery, Hay on Wye. Christmas Exhibition.
Fischerton Mill, Salisbury. Christmas Exhibition.
Glasgow Print Studio. Christmas Exhibition.
Jonathan Poole Gallery, nr Cheltenham. Two person show.
Glasgow Print Studio, Solo show, Gallery Two.
Jelly Leg’d Chicken Gallery, Reading. Two person show.
Battersea Contemporary Arts Fair, London.
Art 2001, Islington, London. With Compass Gallery and Glasgow Print Studio.
