Ed Fairburn

Ed Fairburn, based in Dorset, UK, repurposes paper maps into unique portraits, a niche blending of his love for maps and portraiture. Working from his cottage, Ed collaborates with partner Viola, who handles logistics, while he transforms maps into captivating artworks.

Jack W Lennie

Mar 1, 2022 — 3 min read

Edition Four feature
Words by: Ed Fairburn
Location: Dorset, UK
Photo Credits: ©Ed Fairburn

My name is Ed, and I live and work in Dorset, UK, with my partner Viola. I repurpose paper maps and atlases as a surface to create (mainly) portraits – a very niche way of creating art, which originally stems from my love of both maps and portraiture. I started working with maps as a creative medium in late 2012, shortly after graduating from Cardiff School of Art and Design. It has since become a long-term project and my sole occupation, and in recent times, a partnership between me and Viola.

We have our studios at home in our cottage, which is located in a small market town in a fairly rural setting. Viola organises and manages most of the administrative and logistical work and provides technical support with the artwork: preparing and editing maps, making alterations, framing, packing and shipping. I do most of the drawing and other pencil-to-paper processes.

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