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Simon Fitzmaurice is an illustrator and screen printer who has worked as an editions printer and studio technician at Print Club London.
One of his series is a cartographic interpretation of some of London’s parks. ‘As a keen runner who does not own a smartphone, I find myself constantly scribbling maps for possible runs on to scraps of notepaper,’ says Fitzmaurice. ‘My Victoria Park map (the first one of the series) originated from one of these rough scribbles. I was working out where Regents Canal and Hertford Union Canal connected to each other, and I ended up drawing most of the surrounding area and honing in on key landmarks for my own memory.’
Here, he tells us about his favourite London’s parks:
Victoria Park
'Victoria Park is a lovely, calm green retreat in the heart of east London. I love cycling along the River Lea, and then making a leisurely diversion around the traffic-free perimeter of the park. A perfect meeting place for good friends on a day off.'
Regents Park
'Regents Park is one of my favourite London parks to run in. I really enjoy following Regents Canal, and slowing down to look at the birds in the Snowden Aviary. I recommend continuing up towards Primrose Hill, and finishing your run at the top of Parliament Hill. It is one of the best views in London!'
Greenwich Park
'Greenwich Park’s surrounding greenery and foliage can make me forget that I am in a city (despite stunning panorama of London from the top of Maze Hill) and not in the middle of a country estate. It is especially beautiful in autumn, as the leaves in the surrounding trees turn brown. Enjoy a walk with a hot coffee from the Pavilion Tea House.'
The Park Maps are available at the Print Club London. To see more of Simon Fitzmaurice’s work, and for updates on upcoming exhibitions, shows, market stalls and workshops visit his website www.simonfitzmaurice.com.