print catalogWelcome to the Pembrokeshire Print Series The Secret Waterway 12 limited edition prints of the Cleddau estuary by Ian Jacob The Concept behind Ian Jacob The Secret Waterway The locations of the prints from the secret waterway Purchase prints from the secret waterway print series based in Pembrokeshire Ian Jacob biographical detail of a Pembrokeshire Print Maker Locations of Galleries exhibiting the Secret Waterway Print Series Contact

The Concept


A Very Special Place


Deep in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park lies a stretch of inland waterway known locally as the
Secret Waterway.


The Secret Waterway describes the upper reaches of the Cleddau estuary and is an area of outstanding, unspoilt natural beauty.


Time seems to have forgotten this place.


Exposed and twisted roots of gnarled ancient oak trees, cling precariously to its meandering shoreline. An abundance of indigenous and migrating birdlife thrive in the lush and tranquil tidal channels. Early morning mists envelop the rising tides to create an ethereal magical world.


Many who discover this place are inspired by its special qualities. Painter, Graham Sutherland, first discovered Pembrokeshire in 1937 and from 1967 until his death in 1980, he visited the Secret Waterway every year. It proved to be an enduring source of inspiration. Dick Francis, the former champion steeplechase jockey and world famous crime writer was born and grew up close to its shores and learnt to ride in fields that slope down to the waterway.


The Secret Waterway Print 1The Secret Waterway Print 2The Secret Waterway Print 3The Secret Waterway Print 4


From Intrigue to Inspiration


Ian Jacob has always been intrigued by the Secret Waterway and this print exhibition is an inspired interpretation of many of the waterway's unique qualities and consists of twelve panoramic vistas, which have been translated into a series of limited edition prints.


He is innovative in the way the subject matter is originated. Photographic images are ambitiously manipulated and overlaid with a variety of different mark making techniques.


The panoramic perspective of each vista creates its own particular viewing challenge. Peripheral vision is emphasised by the subtle use of soft and sharp focus. Visual ambiguities abound.


The body of work is a celebration of all that is mystical about the Secret Waterway and projects a deep sense of sensitivity and respect.


On close analysis the work becomes fascinating and believable as to its source. They are highly original visions of a painter and printmaker mature in his thinking and vision yet excitingly fresh in execution.


To view locations click here


The Secret Waterway Print 5The Secret Waterway Print 6The Secret Waterway Print 7The Secret Waterway Print 8


The National Library of Wales


Each of the twelve vistas is available as inkjet prints and is produced by the Reprographic Unit of The National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth.


The prints are produced on the very highest quality conservation grade 308 gsm, 100% rag based paper. The inks used are of museum standard which produces results of outstanding quality and longevity.


The Secret Waterway Print 9The Secret Waterway Print 10The Secret Waterway Print 11The Secret Waterway Print 12


Each edition is strictly limited to 50 prints.


To view all twelve images click here



The Milford Haven Port Authority


The overall custodian of the Cleddau estuary is the Milford Haven Port Authority and in 2008 it celebrates its 50th anniversary. The Secret Waterway exhibition is part of its anniversary celebrations, with the artist donating 10% of all sales to the Port Authority's Community Fund, which is set up to support local community activity along the waterway.



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