Screenprint, 65x51cm unframed

Phases of Di is a series of 8 screenprints which were then produced as a folio. The screenprints were conceived and designed in 1981 and editioned at the Manchester Print Workshop. The images show the progression of a relationship towards a breakdown.

In the introductory page of the folio Cecile writes, “The story of Di is about the fight for life and love through repeated loss, with its despair, anguish, self-pity, anger, depression and finally a glimpse of something beyond.”

Cecile made the drawings of Di over a series of weeks in life drawing classes. It was only after the drawings were complete that Di shared the details of her relationship breakdown and life at the time. Cecile had managed to capture the different phases of Di’s story by drawing from life and observation.

The titles were inspired by a poem written by Cecile’s son, Paul Elstein, upon viewing the prints. 

By Molly Goulding, studio curator, August 2026