Local artist Robert Humphreys was inspired to create the artwork by his wife Ruth, who has volunteered at the store since September 2022. Featuring the distinctive granite façade of the Back Wynd shop, the artwork captures a familiar sight for generations of Aberdonians.
The A3 prints are on sale in the shop for £10, alongside 18 handmade tote bags featuring the same design, also priced at £10, and postcards of the artwork. All money raised will help support Oxfam’s work tackling poverty and inequality around the world.
Robert, who retired following a career in the NHS and is now studying Art History at the University of Aberdeen, created the pieces after being inspired by Ruth's commitment to the shop.
Produced using traditional printmaking techniques at Peacock Visual Arts, each print is hand-pulled from a relief linocut on a 200-year-old Columbian printing press.
After experimenting with different inks, Robert mixed a bespoke shade to closely match Oxfam's iconic green and added lettering using traditional letterpress techniques. Each print is produced on A3 Snowdon 300gsm acid-free paper, creating a high-quality keepsake designed to last for years to come.
Robert said: "The shop in Back Wynd is very affectionately thought of by many people and I thought a print might have appeal. My wife Ruth suggested creating a print to help with fundraising and I was delighted to be able to make a small contribution to the important work of Oxfam.
"I've really enjoyed learning printmaking through Peacock Visual Arts. The staff there have been incredibly encouraging and supportive. After a bit of trial and error, I managed to mix a green ink that is a reasonable match for Oxfam's green, which felt like the perfect finishing touch for the print.
"It's special to be able to use these traditional skills to celebrate such a well-known and well-loved part of Aberdeen."
Printed by hand on A3 Snowdon 300gsm acid-free paper, the artwork features a bespoke green ink mixed by Robert to closely match Oxfam's distinctive colour, alongside traditional letterpress text. Robert has signed the prints as an open edition, meaning additional copies can be produced if demand is high.
For Oxfam's Back Wynd team, the artwork is a celebration of a shop that has long been part of Aberdeen's cultural life.
Shop Manager Jude Daymond said: "Our Back Wynd shop means a great deal to so many people in Aberdeen. Customers regularly share memories of finding a favourite book, discovering new music or volunteering here over the years.
“Robert has captured the shop beautifully. There’s a wonderful sense of local history and nostalgia in the artwork, and the traditional printing methods make every piece feel really special.
“We’re incredibly grateful to both Robert and Ruth for their support. The print, tote bags and postcards are a lovely way for people to take home a little piece of Aberdeen while also helping to support Oxfam’s work fighting poverty and inequality around the world.”
The prints, tote bags and postcards are available now from Oxfam Books & Music, Back Wynd, Aberdeen, while stocks last.
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For more information and interviews, please contact: Rebecca Lozza, Media and Communications Adviser, Oxfam Scotland: rlozza1@oxfam.org.uk / 07917738450
