FASCINATED BY THE HISTORY, Steve Abbott is one of a small band of silhouettists keeping the decorative and beautiful art of the silhouette portrait alive today. With his distinctive Santa Claus beard, he looks every inch the quirky and interesting artist he is.
Artist and Historian
Steve cuts his portraits freehand in just a couple of minutes, using an arsenal of scissors sewn into his coat. His relaxed and entertaining manner, and his inexhaustible fund of stories about the history of silhouettes, make him a genuine asset at any event.
As well as being a talented silhouette cutter, Steve collects old and unusual examples of the art. He has a wealth of knowledge about silhouette history and is fascinated by artists of the past. He is a long-standing member of the Silhouette Collectors Club, and is frequently booked by local art societies to lecture on the subject.
Alongside his work as a silhouettist, Steve is an accomplished watercolour painter who enjoys teaching others. Students report that he fills his lessons with a passion and enthusiasm that makes learning a delight. He is currently the Chair of the Society of Marple Arts.
I first met Steve in 1994, when he visited me in Covent Garden and cut a silhouette of me. If you ask, he’ll tell you the story of how I later called to ask if he could cover an event in London at short notice.
“You know I live in Manchester?” he said.
“I can pay you £250…” I said.
“I’m on me way!” he replied.
We’ve been firm friends ever since.
Steve Abbott: artist statement
“I live in Marple, near Stockport, in Cheshire. I am a retired Aircraft Design and Publications Engineer.
I’ve been demonstrating and lecturing on watercolour and drawing techniques for many years. I started painting in 1980, when I joined the Society of Marple Artists — a group of friends who share their love of art. In the evenings, after shift work, we would draw and paint at the Quarry Bank Mill at Styal, Cheshire.
One evening in 1984 I was approached by the director of the mill. He was organising an Edwardian fair and wanted a silhouette artist. I searched the North of England and found no one. So, for the day, I became a silhouette artist and painted profiles of visitors to the fair. By the end of the day I had been invited to do more at local school fairs and folk festivals, and I began my research into the shades of the past.
Shortly afterwards I met Charles while he was cutting silhouettes in Covent Garden. We swapped silhouettes and have been firm friends ever since. I am now an active member of the Silhouette Collectors Club and am pleased to see the popularity of the art growing.“
Steve Abbott
A set of recent silhouettes by Steve Abbott, cut from life in about 2-3 minutes each at a family party.
Silhouette Secrets
Steve was involved in the Silhouette Secrets documentary. He was interviewed on Llandudno Pier about an artist called Harry Oakley, who used to work there, and during the interview he cut a silhouette of me. The process would have taken little over a minute, if I hadn’t insisted he include all my curls. The sequence was later revived to make a short Silhouette Snippet video.
Contact Steve
Steve works at a select number of events each year and is particularly well suited to occasions where a relaxed, convivial style is valued. He can also be booked for lectures on the history of silhouettes.
Tel: 0161 449 9963 (or contact by email)
Alternatively, make an enquiry for Steve to attend your event, either on his own or as part of a snippet of silhouettists.
You can read more about Steve’s work on his website: Cutting Image Art (though please note this site may not remain live indefinitely.)
