Blair’s interest in ceramics was realised in June 2007, when he happened upon some clay and produced his first piece Fame (paw prints in clay). In October of the same year he produced Scurrying and Bounding, two sets of six tiles which record two very different gaits.  Each set was created making a single and direct journey. Saunter and Dawdling were produced later in the same year.

Blair’s work inspired printmaker Imi Maufe, who was commissioned by Northern Print’s International Print Biennale in Newcastle in 2009 to create a new, original print.

The result was Passport to Print: Print City, a pictorial map highlighting places associated with printmaking in Newcastle/ Gateshead, and the surrounding areas.

The project featured cryptic clues paired with the map, guiding participants to various locations showcasing examples of prints. One such clue, “Rats‘ paw prints were never designed, but made,” marked the location of the Designed & Made Gallery, where Blair’s work, Rat Runs, was exhibited.

A print from this edition is now part of the V&A Prints, Drawings & Paintings Collection.

Sponsored by Northern Print and Designed & Made