The European eel is Critically Endangered, with a population that has declined by 95% since the 1980s. They are elusive creatures, shrouded in mystery. Their eggs hatch in the Sargasso Sea near the island of Bermuda and they travel 4,000 miles as larvae for two years before arriving in Europe and transitioning into eels. This remarkable life cycle was only evidenced by scientists in 2022. For centuries their origin was subject to speculation, such as one theory put forward by a Scottish naturist who was convinced that they started their lives as beetles.

Papercutting and illustration were used to create this screen print.

A new bestiary and herbarium for at risk species by artists from Northern Print.

“Endless Forms Most Beautiful” is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to support visits, new printmaking and school’s programme for this project.

Northern Print artists bring together traditional printmaking and the natural world with a series of new prints highlighting the diversity of species that are categorised as ‘at risk’.

The ‘endless forms’ include marine life; plants; birds; insects and mammals with many familiar and much-loved species as well as less known and intriguing creatures that have captured the imagination and hearts of Northern Print’s artists.

This exhibition of 45 new prints has been made following a series of visits to our region’s natural history collections and habitats and represents the tiniest tip of the iceberg of our natural world under threat.

The artwork includes a range of approaches and printmaking processes – including heritage craft skills also deemed at risk including letterpress and mould-made papers