Ancient Pathways

Ancient Pathways is a good choice of title for the design on this limited edition plate by Anne Bowyer of Nexus Design. The design is of two rounds of dense key pattern. Circling the plate, they resemble continuous paths. At the centre are four interlinked triple spirals (called triskeles). They are typical of those found throughout the Celtic world and beyond.

In early medieval art, key pattern is usually used to fill rectangular or square spaces. Bain gives no examples of circular forms, just a few adaptations to show that it is possible. Setting out the key pattern to fill a circular space can’t have been easy. It must have taken hours to create.

As stated on the back of the plate, Anne Bowyer developed her skills using George Bain’s work. Living in the same area of Northumberland as Iain, Bain’s son, she met him and his family. In fact, Iain’s book Celtic Key Patterns makes reference to Anne Bowyer’s help with inking his drawings.

As it was the first plate in the series, Anne Bowyer presumably gave it to Iain as a present. The Bain family gave it and two other Nexus plates to the museum for the George Bain Collection.