Most Wanted 2020
In 2020, multi-award-winning printmaker Louise Stebbing created an art print featuring the UK’s most wanted items during the COVID-19 pandemic to support the non-profit organisation Toiletries Amnesty and raise awareness of hygiene poverty.
The artwork is a three-colour linocut printed on A4 Fabriano Rosaspina 220gsm paper depicting the household essentials stockpiled by UK shoppers in the early days of the pandemic, including toilet roll, soap, baked beans and hand sanitiser. Its title, Most Wanted, captures the panic buying that swept the nation and led to empty shelves in UK shops.
People living in hygiene poverty were among those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic; facing many complex issues such as insecure employment and accommodation, long-term health conditions and poor diet. It is estimated that 14.2 million people live in poverty in the UK, and COVID-19 has only worsened this statistic.
The print was created in a limited edition of 30 original prints and 100 reproduction prints, available in our shop, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to help the organisations Toiletries Amnesty supports.
‘Most Wanted 2020’ was created in response to global issues and the reaction some people had to such a drastic time. It’S a remark about the things the public seem to find the most necessary in a time of crisis – almost causing another crisis in their wake. I created the linocut As I WANTED to BE ABLE TO give something back in these hard times.
Louise Stebbing, Printmaker
Like what you see? Original limited edition prints and reproduction prints are available to purchase from our shop!
At Toiletries Amnesty we team up with artists and makers to create limited edition good things – raising awareness and funds for our work, whilst connecting audiences with new designers and creative projects. Got an idea for a Creative Collaboration and want to get involved? Drop us an email, we’d love to hear from you.