The Guardian Print Shop has unveiled an exclusive, limited-time collection of fine art prints by Brighton-based illustrator Ryan Gillett, available for purchase only until 23 February. This curated selection draws from Gillett's acclaimed illustrations for the Saturday magazine series "This is how we do it," a column where couples candidly share intimate details about their sex lives.
Artistic Vision and Creative Process
Ryan Gillett's hand-drawn, textured illustrations are renowned for their warmth, charm, and ability to reveal human foibles with a blend of humour and depth. His imaginative approach often incorporates playful, unexpected twists that highlight the delight and complexity of human nature. Each print in this collection is a testament to his unique artistic style, offering viewers a glimpse into the surreal and sensitive world he creates.
Featured Works and Insights
Among the highlights is an illustration for the article "Having threesomes has totally transformed us – in and out of bed." Gillett explains, "I wanted to give a subtle nod to the threesome aspect. After exploring peculiar sketches like a two-faced woman kissing two men, we landed on an image with two sets of hands resting on a woman's back."
Another piece, for "I worried about his kinks, but I'm learning to relax and be playful," uses surrealism to address the use of sex toys. Gillett notes, "It felt fitting to reimagine the man as a sex toy himself, with the woman's laughter adding humour to lighten the tone."
For "We were evicted from our home due to noisy sex. We call it our bang to rights moment," Gillett experimented with turning the couple into musical instruments. He shares, "I sketched ideas like the guy playing her leg like an electric guitar or them forming a bass drum kick. This one is probably my favourite from the series."
In a softer touch for "A three-month break from sex gave us the reset we needed," early sketches focused on hands caressing one another. Gillett attempted sketches with hands for heads but ultimately selected a more gentle representation.
The illustration for "We live in a tiny flat with our kids, so we have sex in the woods at night" explored whimsical directions, such as an owl flying through a woman's leg or a deer with pants on its antlers, before settling on a tree trunk imagery.
For the sensitive topic in "After mutual cancer diagnoses we didn't have sex for five years. Then we discovered toys...," Gillett aimed for kindness, sketching ideas like a couple hauling a toy cart filled with sex toys. He emphasises, "Humour must always remain light and never mocking."
Pricing and Product Details
The collection offers various options to suit different preferences and budgets:
- A4 unframed on C-type matte fine art paper: £50
- Small unframed (28 x 35cm) on Hahnemühle Photorag paper: £90
- Small framed (28 x 35cm) on Hahnemühle Photorag paper: £140
- Medium unframed (40 x 50cm) on Hahnemühle Photorag paper: £130
- Medium framed, black (40 x 50cm) on Hahnemühle Photorag paper: £200
All prints are produced on museum-grade, fine-art paper with archival standards ensuring quality for over 100 years. They are printed and quality-checked by experts at theprintspace, the UK's leading photo and fine art print provider.
Shipping and Sustainability
Global express shipping is available with carbon-neutral, sustainable production, packaging, and delivery. Shipping costs are as follows:
- United Kingdom: £8.50
- Europe: £13.15
- US & Canada: £15
- Rest of World: £39
Each shipment includes tracked and insured shipping, with careful packaging and a no-quibble satisfaction guarantee. For inquiries, contact guardianprintsales@theprintspace.co.uk.
This limited edition collection not only celebrates Ryan Gillett's artistic talent but also offers art enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of The Guardian's iconic column, blending humour, sensitivity, and creative exploration into every print.
