Egypt sketchbook (four pages), 1982

James Brown

Four early sketchbook pages from my first trip to Egypt:

“The Nile from the First Cataract Hotel”, 1982

“View from the Nile Hilton, Cairo”, 1.1.1983

“View from the Cataract Hotel, Aswan”, 1982

“Palm at the Wintergarden Hotel, Luxor”, 1982

Pencil on bond paper

Size of each page: 27 x 20.5 cm

I first visited Egypt in the early 1980s, accompanied by two friends from the art department where we worked: Dr Anneke Silver and Dr Robert Preston. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have had their guidance during this trip. Both are accomplished artists with published monographs on their work, and they possess a profound understanding of early cultures, history, and ancient languages. Being in their company not only enriched my appreciation for Egypt but also enhanced my skills as an artist. I learnt how to organise a sketch book, refine my drawing techniques, and, perhaps most importantly, how to carve out time to draw.

Reflecting on my initial impressions of Egypt, I vividly recall the awe inspired by the spectacular sites we explored. This sense of wonder was connected to the overwhelming size and scale of structures like the Abu Simbel Temples, the Temple of Karnak, and, of course, the pyramids. As I wandered among these marvels, I felt both small and fragile, dwarfed by their grandeur. Yet, there was another layer to my experience—an unsettling awareness, a nagging feeling that a mysterious essence of the ancient past lingered around me, intertwining with the present. This complex mixture of emotions made my first encounter with Egypt unforgettable.