Spring Unfurled: a printmaker's view

Seasonal Quartet #1

by Angela Harding

Spring Unfurled is the first in a stunning seasonal quartet from beloved printmaker and illustrator Angela Harding.

This series will take readers on a journey through the seasons, reflecting Angela's view as the nature around her transforms and evolves over the months. Taking in landscapes across the UK, from her studio in Rutland to the wilds of Scotland, the beautiful illustrations and evocative imagery of the prose make this the perfect book for nature lovers and and art lovers everywhere.

Featuring many of Angela's most beloved prints, alongside Angela's observations and inspirations, Spring Unfurled, Summer's Hum , Falling into Autumn , and Winter's Song are a joyful celebration of nature and wildlife across the UK at all times of year.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Nature, Animals

80 pages, Hardcover

Published May 27, 2025

About the author

Angela Harding is a fine art painter and illustrator based in Wing, Rutland, specialising in lino prints and giftware inspired by British birds and countryside.

Reviews

[Tilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I ADORE the linoprint artwork by Angela Harding and so was excited to read my first book by her. Sadly, it didn't quite live up to my expectations.

It was a book of two halves for me. The artwork is absolutely stunning and I loved every single piece. I find linoprint art amazing and there is no doubt that Angela Harding is one of the best at it, especially for nature and wildlife.
Sadly though, I was expecting more actual information about Spring and the changes that happen generally in the UK. There was very little information and that made me sad as it could have been an incredible book with more actual facts written about Spring wildlife and nature. The information that was given was very very little and generally based around a patch of land near where the author lives. It sadly wasn't very interesting or informative.
I also found that some of the art used wasn't exactly Spring based and almost felt Angela already had that artwork and tried to make it fit the book to fill out the pages, which was a real shame.

Overall, beautiful artwork but very little actual substance. Its nice to flick through to see the art but not worth the money for just that in my view.

Please note that I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Georgie Fay · Rating 2 out of 5]

just found it cringe because her life is so privileged

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional little book with lots of wonderful illustrations.

[Daphyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is all about the gorgeous linocuts.

[Adele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warwickshire Libraries Book Bingo 2025 - a book perfect for the current season.
Part of a seasonal quartet, and read just in time to qualify for my penultimate book bingo category. (Spring: By the meteorological calendar starts on 1 March and ends on 31 May)
Angela Hardings artwork is instantly recognisable and currently topical given she did the cover illustration for The Salt Path which has just hit the cinemas.
It’s a book where the stylised illustrations certainly take centre stage but they’re perfectly complemented by observations on the flora and fauna that can be seen and heard at this magical time of year.
A little book that you will enjoy flicking through at any time of year.

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Angela Harding's art and 'Spring Unfurled' does not disappoint. I love the illustrations here and Angela's notes on the season.

I did though find myself a little miffed when I realised that the vast majority of the words and images in this book, and the other books in the seasonal quartet, are taken from 'The Printmaker's Year' which I already have. I understand the idea that this little book can be tucked in a pocket and read whilst out basking in spring rising, but that makes no sense for the Kindle version that I read it in.

This is a lovely book but it should have been made clear that it wasn't new. I probably will not be purchasing the other books and will read through 'The Printmaker's Year' with the seasons instead.

[Ken · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had I not just read A Year Unfolding I would have rated this book highly, but the overlap of text and prints accounts for almost all of the book. I was hoping for far more new and there's very little here.

A minor quibble is that parts of the pictures get lost in the centre crease when they are spread over two pages.

However, the artwork itself is fantastic and I'm sure I'll be able to pass it on to someone that will love it.

[Trudy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Angela Harding's art, and her writing is wonderful. This is the first in a quartet of seasonal work. Lovely!! Although it's location is the UK, it's a good universal account of nature in the springtime in the US as well.

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the artwork, but the written content, while interesting, was a bit thin. A bit of proof-reading would have helped a couple of the sentences in the introduction

[Philip McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superb illustrations

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short book extols the joys of springtime in words, and charming wood print illustrations.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful.

[Grace-Elisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short. Charming. A great vehicle for Angela Harding's gorgeous artwork.