Inside Subtractionism | The Art of Subtractionism

Walking down The Village, it is impossible to miss The Priest House. With its intricate timber framing and slightly leaning facade, it stands as a silent witness to centuries of our local history. It is the definitive postcard image of Cheshire—the classic "Magpie" architecture that defines our corner of the world.

But when you see something every day, it’s easy to stop truly looking at it. We get distracted by the traffic, the parked cars, the street signs, and the bustle of daily life.

My latest project has been about taking a fresh look at this village landmark. The goal wasn’t to just capture a likeness of the building, but to illustrate its character.

Using a style I call "Subtractionism," I wanted to strip away the modern distractions. No power lines, no pavement clutter, no passing cars. By reducing the image down to its essential geometry—the rhythm of the beams, the contrast of the black timber against the white plaster, the heavy stone plinth—we get to see the Priest House in its purest form.

It is a way of honouring the craftsmanship of the 16th century with the clean, graphic lines of the 21st.

Old Architecture, Modern Interiors

One of the challenges with heritage art is making it work in a modern home. We love our history in Cheshire, but we also love contemporary interior design. Sometimes, a traditional watercolour or a sepia photograph feels a little too "dusty" for a modern living space.

That was the inspiration behind these new prints. I wanted to create something that bridges the gap—a piece that respects the heritage of Prestbury but feels sharp, architectural, and bold enough to hang in a contemporary hallway, study, or living room.

The Collection

I’ve explored a few different moods for this piece, which you can see in the shop:

The Classic Grey: This offers a subtle, understated look. It lets the black-and-white architecture speak for itself and sits quietly on a neutral wall.

The Statement Red: For those who want something bolder, the deep red backdrop adds a layer of warmth and drama, making the white timber framing really pop.

Whether you have lived in the village for forty years or you are a newcomer falling in love with its charm, I hope this work offers you a new way to see an old friend.