Lines of Inquiry: British Prints from the David Lemon Collection
April 9, 1999 - April 9, 1999David Lemon?s collection outlines the history of British printmaking from 1815 ? 1955. A highlight will be a group of outstanding prints by Samual Palmer together with prints representing the Palmer Revival in the 1920s by such artists as Paul Drury, Graham Sutherland and Robin Tanner.
Victorian printmakers are represented by Pre-Raphaelites Holman Hunt and Millais. The Etching Revival is defined by a strong group of prints by Francis Seymour Haden and followers, David Young Cameron and James McBey. The vigorous 19th century tradition continued into the 1920s and 30s with fine works by Augustus John and such neglected masters as John Copley, Laura Knight, Gertrude Hermes and Sir Frank Short. Innovative works by Stanley Spencer, Stanley William Hayter and Michael Ayrton bring us up to 1950s Modernism.
The exhibition stresses print processes by featuring a number of preparatory drawings for prints, as well as unique sequences of working proofs that allow the viewer to watch over the shoulder of the artist as the print miraculously takes shape. Related copper plates and woodblocks are also included, as well as a small selection of fine illustrated books.