Duncan Pass Paintings and Prints

Prints

Please click on the galleries below to see my engravings, which are printed by hand on a hand-built printing press. They are all available to buy as signed and numbered limited-edition prints from my Etsy shop. Some are also available as greetings cards and hand-printed bookmarks.

Latest Work – 2016 onwards

All of these images are traditional wood engravings on boxwood. Like earlier prints (see the "Viking and Norse Myths" gallery below) they are influenced by Norse mythology, and are also inspired by Celtic art. Click on the individual images to find out more.

Hello Dog

This image was inspired by my greyhound, who I rescued in 2014 via the Retired Greyhounds Trust. The patterns are inspired by Norse artwork in which the spiral, one of the earliest forms of artwork attempted by ancient cultures, features heavily.

Engraving on boxwood. 5 X 19 cm. © Duncan Pass 2016

Hello Cat

…Because you can't have a dog without a cat! Again, the patterns in this image are inspired by Viking and ancient designs. Spirals were a huge part of Viking design, appearing on mirrors, jewellry and even in longboat bows.

Engraving on boxwood. 5 X 19 cm. © Duncan Pass 2016

Celtic Dogs

This image is more directly inspired by the Norse and ancient cultures. Knot patterns first appeared in the third and fourth century, and can even be found in Roman floor mosaics. Whilst Nordic knotwork tends to be asymmetrical and organic, Celtic knotwork, upon which this design is based, tend to be more symmetrical and precise.

Engraving on boxwood, 5 X 19cm. 5 X 19 cm. © Duncan Pass 2016

Dragon

In Norse mythology, there are several references to dragons, including Níðhǫggr ("Malice Striker" or Nidhogg) who gnaws at the roots of Yggdrasil, the World Tree; Jörmungandr, the Midgard Serpent, who was thrown into the ocean by Odin and grew so large he encircled the earth and grasped his own tail, and Fáfnir, the son of dwarf king Hreidmar, who was cursed and turned into a dragon.

Engraving on boxwood. 5 X 19 cm. © Duncan Pass 2016

Viking Bird

In Norse mythology, the ability to understand the language of birds was considered a sign of great wisdom. This bird is partly based on a design etched into a whalebone line-winder found in north Norway.

Engraving on boxwood. 5 X 19 cm. © Duncan Pass 2016

Warrior

The Vikings were famed as a race of warriors. This image is inspired by two of the most fearsome: Eric Bloodaxe, who murdered his brothers to try and claim the Norwegian crown, but reigned only briefly before fleeing to become king of Northumbria; and Sweyn Forkbeard who killed his father to take Denmark's throne, and made a career out of raiding the English coast.

Engraving on boxwood. 5 X 19 cm. © Duncan Pass 2016

From the Deep

The boatmen in this image were inspired from part of an early Viking memorial stone found at Lillbjärs on Gotland. It's thought they may represent the dead being taken to the Spirit world. They are using a drift net to fish; finds such as those from Birka and Ribe in Sweden suggest Viking nets were made from nettle-hemp and weighted with soapstone.

Engraving on boxwood. 5 X 19 cm. © Duncan Pass 2016

Viking Longboat

Longboats are one of the most iconic symbols of Viking culture. Also known as "dragon ships", they were used for trade, commerce, exploration and warfare with their design evolving over many centuries. Their shape meant they could sail in waters just 1m deep and reverse direction without needing to turn round. This boat is based on later version where a single sail was fitted to a mast to augment the rowers, making longer journeys possible.

Engraving on boxwood. 5 X 19 cm. © Duncan Pass 2016

Warriors on Horseback

This is another image based on the Vikings' legendary status as warriors, imagining a raid taking place. Viking raids took place all over Europe. They first invaded Britain in AD 793 when they invaded the monastery at Lindisfarne, also known as Holy Island, which lies off the Northumbrian coast.

Engraving on boxwood. 5 X 19 cm. © Duncan Pass 2016

Celtic Flowers

Another image inspired by Celtic knotwork. The Celts used knots to depict seven creations which were highly symbolic to them: man, mammals, plants, insect, birds, fish and reptiles.

Hello Dog

This image was inspired by my greyhound, who I rescued in 2014 via the Retired Greyhounds Trust. The patterns are inspired by Norse artwork in which the spiral, one of the earliest forms of artwork attempted by ancient cultures, features heavily.

Engraving on boxwood. 5 X 19 cm. © Duncan Pass 2016

Hello Cat

…Because you can't have a dog without a cat! Again, the patterns in this image are inspired by Viking and ancient designs. Spirals were a huge part of Viking design, appearing on mirrors, jewellry and even in longboat bows.

Engraving on boxwood. 5 X 19 cm. © Duncan Pass 2016

Celtic Dogs

This image is more directly inspired by the Norse and ancient cultures. Knot patterns first appeared in the third and fourth century, and can even be found in Roman floor mosaics. Whilst Nordic knotwork tends to be asymmetrical and organic, Celtic knotwork, upon which this design is based, tend to be more symmetrical and precise.

Engraving on boxwood, 5 X 19cm. 5 X 19 cm. © Duncan Pass 2016

Dragon

In Norse mythology, there are several references to dragons, including Níðhǫggr ("Malice Striker" or Nidhogg) who gnaws at the roots of Yggdrasil, the World Tree; Jörmungandr, the Midgard Serpent, who was thrown into the ocean by Odin and grew so large he encircled the earth and grasped his own tail, and Fáfnir, the son of dwarf king Hreidmar, who was cursed and turned into a dragon.

Engraving on boxwood. 5 X 19 cm. © Duncan Pass 2016

Viking Bird

In Norse mythology, the ability to understand the language of birds was considered a sign of great wisdom. This bird is partly based on a design etched into a whalebone line-winder found in north Norway.

Engraving on boxwood. 5 X 19 cm. © Duncan Pass 2016

Warrior

The Vikings were famed as a race of warriors. This image is inspired by two of the most fearsome: Eric Bloodaxe, who murdered his brothers to try and claim the Norwegian crown, but reigned only briefly before fleeing to become king of Northumbria; and Sweyn Forkbeard who killed his father to take Denmark's throne, and made a career out of raiding the English coast.

Engraving on boxwood. 5 X 19 cm. © Duncan Pass 2016

From the Deep

The boatmen in this image were inspired from part of an early Viking memorial stone found at Lillbjärs on Gotland. It's thought they may represent the dead being taken to the Spirit world. They are using a drift net to fish; finds such as those from Birka and Ribe in Sweden suggest Viking nets were made from nettle-hemp and weighted with soapstone.

Engraving on boxwood. 5 X 19 cm. © Duncan Pass 2016

Viking Longboat

Longboats are one of the most iconic symbols of Viking culture. Also known as "dragon ships", they were used for trade, commerce, exploration and warfare with their design evolving over many centuries. Their shape meant they could sail in waters just 1m deep and reverse direction without needing to turn round. This boat is based on later version where a single sail was fitted to a mast to augment the rowers, making longer journeys possible.

Engraving on boxwood. 5 X 19 cm. © Duncan Pass 2016

Warriors on Horseback

This is another image based on the Vikings' legendary status as warriors, imagining a raid taking place. Viking raids took place all over Europe. They first invaded Britain in AD 793 when they invaded the monastery at Lindisfarne, also known as Holy Island, which lies off the Northumbrian coast.

Engraving on boxwood. 5 X 19 cm. © Duncan Pass 2016

Celtic Flowers

Another image inspired by Celtic knotwork. The Celts used knots to depict seven creations which were highly symbolic to them: man, mammals, plants, insect, birds, fish and reptiles.

Vikings and Norse Myths – 2014-15

This is a series of images based on Norse history and mythology, including the Battle of the Lindworm, the forging of Sigurd's sword Gram and mythical figures such as Odin and Gullinbursti. Click on the individual images to find out more.

The Horde

An image inspired by the Vikings' fearsome reputation as sea-faring warriors.

Engraving on Delrin. 42 X 30cm. © Duncan Pass 2014

Chicken Moon (M)

This image, whilst not directly linked to any particular myth, imagines what might have happened once the Vikings landed on our shores.

Engraving on Delrin. 30 x 25cm. © Duncan Pass 2014

Sea Monsters

A Lindworm is a wingless dragon with a venomous bite. In Viking mythology, the most famous Lindworm was Jörmungandr, the Mirgard Serpent. This image imagines an epic battle between Viking Warriors and this terrible beast.

Engraving on Delrin. 30 X 25cm. © Duncan Pass 2014

TheNorns (M)

In Viking mythology, the Norns are female beings who rule the destiny of men and gods, comparable to the Fates in Greek mythology. Described as 'maiden giantesses', here they are shown weaving the web of destiny.

Engraving on Delrin. 30 X 25cm. © Duncan Pass 2014

Flight Into Battle (M)

Dragons are a feature of Norse mythology, with references to Níðhǫggr ("Malice Striker" or Nidhogg) who gnaws at the roots of Yggdrasil, the World Tree; Jörmungandr, the Midgard Serpent, who was thrown into the ocean by Odin and grew so large he encircled the earth and grasped his own tail, and Fáfnir, the son of dwarf king Hreidmar, who was cursed and turned into a dragon.

Engraving on Delrin. 30 X 25cm. © Duncan Pass 2014

Journey to Valhalla

Valhalla was a hall located in Asgard, one of the nine worlds of Viking cosmology. It was ruled over by Odin, who used it to house the dead he thought worthy of dwelling with him, usually great warriors.

Engraving on Delrin. 42 X 30cm. © Duncan Pass 2014

OdinGullinburstiandGarm

Odin is one of the most widely revered Norse gods, Gullinbursti is a boar created by the dwarves Eitri and Brokkr, and Garm is a dog associated with the underworld and the forces of destruction.

Engraving on Delrin. 30 X 25cm. © Duncan Pass 2014

Forging Sigurd's Sword

Sigurd (also known as Sigurðr) was a legendary hero in Norse mythology and a central figure in the Volsunga Saga. This image shows his sword, Gram, with which he killed the dragon Fafnir, being forged. This image also explores the concept of Viking ironworking, imagining the tools and equipment they might have used.

Engraving on Delrin. 30 x 25cm. © Duncan Pass 2014

The Horde

An image inspired by the Vikings' fearsome reputation as sea-faring warriors.

Engraving on Delrin. 42 X 30cm. © Duncan Pass 2014

Chicken Moon (M)

This image, whilst not directly linked to any particular myth, imagines what might have happened once the Vikings landed on our shores.

Engraving on Delrin. 30 x 25cm. © Duncan Pass 2014

Sea Monsters

A Lindworm is a wingless dragon with a venomous bite. In Viking mythology, the most famous Lindworm was Jörmungandr, the Mirgard Serpent. This image imagines an epic battle between Viking Warriors and this terrible beast.

Engraving on Delrin. 30 X 25cm. © Duncan Pass 2014

TheNorns (M)

In Viking mythology, the Norns are female beings who rule the destiny of men and gods, comparable to the Fates in Greek mythology. Described as 'maiden giantesses', here they are shown weaving the web of destiny.

Engraving on Delrin. 30 X 25cm. © Duncan Pass 2014

Flight Into Battle (M)

Dragons are a feature of Norse mythology, with references to Níðhǫggr ("Malice Striker" or Nidhogg) who gnaws at the roots of Yggdrasil, the World Tree; Jörmungandr, the Midgard Serpent, who was thrown into the ocean by Odin and grew so large he encircled the earth and grasped his own tail, and Fáfnir, the son of dwarf king Hreidmar, who was cursed and turned into a dragon.

Engraving on Delrin. 30 X 25cm. © Duncan Pass 2014

Journey to Valhalla

Valhalla was a hall located in Asgard, one of the nine worlds of Viking cosmology. It was ruled over by Odin, who used it to house the dead he thought worthy of dwelling with him, usually great warriors.

Engraving on Delrin. 42 X 30cm. © Duncan Pass 2014

OdinGullinburstiandGarm

Odin is one of the most widely revered Norse gods, Gullinbursti is a boar created by the dwarves Eitri and Brokkr, and Garm is a dog associated with the underworld and the forces of destruction.

Engraving on Delrin. 30 X 25cm. © Duncan Pass 2014

Forging Sigurd's Sword

Sigurd (also known as Sigurðr) was a legendary hero in Norse mythology and a central figure in the Volsunga Saga. This image shows his sword, Gram, with which he killed the dragon Fafnir, being forged. This image also explores the concept of Viking ironworking, imagining the tools and equipment they might have used.

Engraving on Delrin. 30 x 25cm. © Duncan Pass 2014

The Pit Village: Work and Play – 2015

These images were produced for a heritage collection exploring life in a pit village in the 1970s and 1980s. Click on the individual images to find out more.

Pigeon Sheds

Shortlisted for the 2016 Lichfield Prize.

Engraving on Delrin. 30 X 42cm. © Duncan Pass 2015

Farewell to Old Friends

Engraving on Delrin. 30 X 42cm. © Duncan Pass 2015

Heavy Load

Engraving on Delrin. 25 X 30cm. © Duncan Pass 2015

Saturday Smash and Grab

Engraving on Delrin. 30 X 42cm. © Duncan Pass 2015

You Looking at my Beer

Engraving on Delrin. 25 X 30cm. © Duncan Pass 2015

Going Down

Engraving on Delrin. 25 X 30cm. © Duncan Pass 2015

Charlie's Fifteen Minutes

Engraving on Delrin. 30 X 42cm. © Duncan Pass 2015

Bare Knuckles

Engraving on Delrin. 25 X 30cm. © Duncan Pass 2015

Collier's Massacre

Engraving on Delrin. 25 X 30cm. © Duncan Pass 2015

Pigeon Sheds

Shortlisted for the 2016 Lichfield Prize.

Engraving on Delrin. 30 X 42cm. © Duncan Pass 2015

Farewell to Old Friends

Engraving on Delrin. 30 X 42cm. © Duncan Pass 2015

Heavy Load

Engraving on Delrin. 25 X 30cm. © Duncan Pass 2015

Saturday Smash and Grab

Engraving on Delrin. 30 X 42cm. © Duncan Pass 2015

You Looking at my Beer

Engraving on Delrin. 25 X 30cm. © Duncan Pass 2015

Going Down

Engraving on Delrin. 25 X 30cm. © Duncan Pass 2015

Charlie's Fifteen Minutes

Engraving on Delrin. 30 X 42cm. © Duncan Pass 2015

Bare Knuckles

Engraving on Delrin. 25 X 30cm. © Duncan Pass 2015

Collier's Massacre

Engraving on Delrin. 25 X 30cm. © Duncan Pass 2015

Other Prints

A selection of my other images, inspired by animals and nature. Click on the individual images to find out more.

Zoomies

This image was inspired by my rescue greyhound Kelly who is sadly no longer with us. Generally a quiet, placid dog, when he was with his canine friends he'd have "mad moments" where he'd zoom round the garden in circles.

Engraving on Delrin. 42 x 30 cm. © Duncan Pass 2013.

Sunlight and Shadow (L)

This is one of the ancient chestnut trees in Shipley Park, Heanor, Derbyshire. I wanted to try and capture the way light and shade played on the bark and its branches.

Engraving on Delrin. 42 x 30 cm. © Duncan Pass 2013

The Old Man of Shipley

Another of the ancient trees in Shipley Park, Heanor, Derbyshire. This one looks like it has a face, hence the title.

Engraving on Delrin. 42 x 30 cm. © Duncan Pass 2013

Shipley Trees 1

Engraving on Delrin. 30 x 25cm. © Duncan Pass 2013

Shipley Trees 2

Engraving on Delrin. 30 x 25cm. © Duncan Pass 2013

Shipley Trees 3

Engraving on Delrin. 30 x 25cm. © Duncan Pass 2013

Shipley Trees 4

Engraving on Delrin. 30 x 25cm. © Duncan Pass 2013

Shipley Trees 5

Engraving on Delrin. 30 x 25cm. © Duncan Pass 2013

Shipley Trees 6

Engraving on Delrin. 30 x 25cm. © Duncan Pass 2013

Twisty Tree

Engraving on Resingrave. 10.5 x 14.5cm. © Duncan Pass 2012

Woodland Path

Engraving on Resingrave. 10.5 x 14.5cm. © Duncan Pass 2012

Zoomies

This image was inspired by my rescue greyhound Kelly who is sadly no longer with us. Generally a quiet, placid dog, when he was with his canine friends he'd have "mad moments" where he'd zoom round the garden in circles.

Engraving on Delrin. 42 x 30 cm. © Duncan Pass 2013.

Sunlight and Shadow (L)

This is one of the ancient chestnut trees in Shipley Park, Heanor, Derbyshire. I wanted to try and capture the way light and shade played on the bark and its branches.

Engraving on Delrin. 42 x 30 cm. © Duncan Pass 2013

The Old Man of Shipley

Another of the ancient trees in Shipley Park, Heanor, Derbyshire. This one looks like it has a face, hence the title.

Engraving on Delrin. 42 x 30 cm. © Duncan Pass 2013

Shipley Trees 1

Engraving on Delrin. 30 x 25cm. © Duncan Pass 2013

Shipley Trees 2

Engraving on Delrin. 30 x 25cm. © Duncan Pass 2013

Shipley Trees 3

Engraving on Delrin. 30 x 25cm. © Duncan Pass 2013

Shipley Trees 4

Engraving on Delrin. 30 x 25cm. © Duncan Pass 2013

Shipley Trees 5

Engraving on Delrin. 30 x 25cm. © Duncan Pass 2013

Shipley Trees 6

Engraving on Delrin. 30 x 25cm. © Duncan Pass 2013

Twisty Tree

Engraving on Resingrave. 10.5 x 14.5cm. © Duncan Pass 2012

Woodland Path

Engraving on Resingrave. 10.5 x 14.5cm. © Duncan Pass 2012

Collier's Massacre

Engraving on Delrin. 25 X 30cm. © Duncan Pass 2015