Derrick Harris
Wood Engraver and Illustrator
1919 – 1960

The work of the wood engraver and illustrator Derrick Harris has been much overlooked since his untimely death in 1960 at the age of forty. A prolific artist, he produced a rich body of work that covered wood engraving, lino, gouache and drawing.

Of all his work it is his book illustration that has received the most recognition, and he himself considered his wood engravings for Tom Jones, Humphry Clinker and Joseph Andrews (Folio Society), and Euphormio’s Satyricon (Golden Cockerel Press) as his finest achievements. But he also produced a wonderful body of ephemera and this as much as his more serious work should also be given its rightful place. His capacity to delight the eye was unique; there was no one like him during his lifetime, nor has there been since.

With the current resurgent interest in 20th century British art and design, it is appropriate that he should now be brought back into the public eye and given his rightful place amongst the finest of British wood engravers and illustrators.

This website is a celebration of his artistry.

Catalina Botello
The Estate of Derrick Harris