Lionel Ellis (1903-1988) - Early 20th Century Watercolour Apron Of Flowers

Description

An exquisite early 20th Century monochrome watercolour illustration, showing a beautiful young woman, holding her apron up, filled with flowers and holding more flowers in a posy in her other hand. This is an original illustration from the selection of 17th century English lyrical poet Robert Herrick's 1648 work Hesperides. Selected with a preface by Peter Meadows (a pseudonym for Australian writer and polymath Jack Lindsay) and illustrated by Lionel Ellis. 1927 privately published limited edition (#98 of 550) with 9 full-page collotypes, a tail-piece, title-page and colophon printed in blue. This is one of the original illustrations. The artist has inscribed the title and the painting has been presented in a handsome early 20th Century Hogarth frame with card mount. On wove.

Condition

Minor surface dirt. In otherwise fine condition. The frame has some scuffing and losses at the outer edges.

Size

20.6 x 13.4cm (8.1" x 5.3")
Framed Size: 44.3 x 34.5cm (17.4" x 13.6")

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Artist Biography

Painter, wood engraver, modeller and teacher, specialising in portraits, flowers and horses. Born in Plymouth, Devon, Ellis studied at Plymouth School of Art, 1918–22, Royal College of Art, 1922–4, where he obtained a Travelling Scholarship, Atelier Colarossi in Paris, and in Italy. Ellis’ liking for the Old Masters of painting influenced his illustrations, in the 1920s, of Robert Herrick, Theocritus and Catullus for the Fanfrolico Press. He exhibited at RA, NS, of which he was a member, NEAC and extensively at Redfern Gallery. Victoria & Albert Museum, British Museum and several provincial galleries, including Plymouth, hold his work. Lectured on painting at Wimbledon School of Art, 1937–68, although in his later years led a reclusive, back-to-the-land type of existence at Headley, Surrey.