After Eric Ravilious (1903-1942) - 20th Century Lithograph Knife Grinder

Description

A charming lithograph after Eric Ravilious (1903-1942) from High Street (1938), a children's book written by J.M. Richards with illustrations by Ravilious. Only 2000 copies of the original book were printed before the lithographic plates were destroyed in the Blitz. As a result, it has become highly collectable. Well presented in a smart black frame. On paper.

Condition

The print is in fine condition. Light wear to the frame, including a small chip to the left-hand edge, which has been repainted.

Size

21.5 x 14cm (8.5" x 5.5")
Framed Size: 35 x 26cm (13.8" x 10.2")

Artist Biography

Eric Ravilious (1903-1942) was a painter, wood engraver and illustrator. He was born in London, but brought up in Eastbourne, Sussex, where his father had an antique shop. Ravilious studied at Eastbourne School of Art and Royal College of Art Design School. It was here that he befriended Edward Bawden, with whom he was from then on closely associated. In 1926 Ravilious won a travelling scholarship to Italy. In 1928 he made a mural decoration for Morley College, London, which is now destroyed. During the late 1920s Ravilious exhibited at the 7&5 Society with Bawden and in 1927 they took a joint rent on Brick House in Great Bardfield, Essex. At first used as a weekend retreat, it then became their permanent home until 1935 when Ravilious and his wife Tirzah Garwood moved to Castle Hedingham, Essex. At about this time, Ravilious produced work for the Golden Cockerel Press. His friend Cedric Morris was opening the East Anglian School of Painting and Drawing nearby and from 1937 until Ravilious was called up for war service he assisted part-time on the teaching staff. As a designer, Ravilious is best known for his Wedgwood pottery and china. Before these, he had been retained by glass manufacturer Stuart Crystal to create shapes and engraving patterns. By 1940 he had been appointed an Official War Artist, first with the Royal Marines, then with the Royal Air Force. Examples of his war works are in the collection of the Imperial War Museum, Museums Sheffield, the University of Warwick Art Collection, and the Tate Gallery. Ravilious died when his plane disappeared over Iceland on a patrol during World War II.