Eric Daglish was born in London; he studied at Hereford County College and received a scientific education at universities in London and Bonn. He became a close friend of Paul Nash who taught him the skill of wood engraving. After military service, he became a professional naturalist, lecturing in zoology at Toynbee Hall, London. He retired to the country becoming a field naturalist and correspondent for the BBC and London Evening Standard. He was a fine draughtsman and author of 25 books, both popular and specialist, about the natural world. Many were illustrated with his wood engravings. His work was often compared to that of Thomas Berwick, but his is the more illustrative.


Out of the Wood: British Woodcuts and Wood Engravings 1890-1945, The British Council 1991

Glossary

  • Engraving

    An intaglio process whereby lines are cut into a metal or wood plate using an engraving tool (a burin), which is pushed in front of the hand to achieve a sharp controlled incision capable of great delicacy. This technique requires a great deal of control and is not suited to spontaneous mark-making.