Trodden Under Foot is the name given to my ongoing study of Victorian London's coal holes – cast iron plates that cover coal-chutes at street level, which lead into the cellars of the city's townhouses. Although now obsolete and rapidly disappearing with each new pavement laid, many still remain.
For some time I have been collecting the many and varied designs found on these pieces. Each one tells a story and together they create a tapestry that is an everyday reminder of urban history in every sense.
I eventually found the most direct and appropriate technique to record the designs was to take rubbings using wax crayons. These impressions became the starting point for the original artworks you see here. Hoping to elevate these forgotten design treasures and give them the appreciation they deserve.
Each print is hand hand-numbered and hand-embossed with a stamp of authenticity.
Prints are rolled with tissue paper and mailed in solid poster tubes with a custom address label.