Yesterday I went along to the John Craxton Works on Paper show at Osbourne Samuel near Berkeley Square.
I wasn’t aware that John had produced so many wonderful linocuts over the years, and of course it made perfect sense that he used this form of printmaking; it so closely resembles his linear painting style.
It is also delightful to see cats depicted in such an unsentimental way. Cats in art often verge on the twee, though that rarely happens with Craxton’s feline works which are full of love and playfulness.
I do think the watercolour he used on some of the linocuts weakens the power of the graphic image. The limited use of colour definitely works best with his printmaking, and several versions of the prints allow us to compare which are more successful. Interesting too to read about his technique and see his tippexing on the proofs of the linos which he printed when incomplete to see what his next steps would be; this is how I’ve also done my own linocuts recently (one shown here below).
As well as the linos there are also a few etchings and lithographs. The exhibition covers Craxton’s whole career from some formative neo-romantic pen and ink drawings from the 1940s upto Christmas cards from the last years of his life.
The show is only on for 1 more week, and I’d recommend going along before these rarely seen works disappear into private collections (many of them have sold).
The catalogue is online, so if you can’t make it along you can have a virtual visit: http://www.osbornesamuel.com/
If you can visit in person, it’s worth picking up the engaging and personal essay by Gerard Hastings titled Inhabiting Delight which acts as a guide to the works in the show. The gallery also has signed copies of Ian’s book available for £30.
Below is one of my recent linocuts, hand-printed in my studio:
Hi Kit Boyd, I must say these are amazing linocuts, love yours! I didn’t know what a linocut was but thanks to you now I know. I have the exact upside down dancer original signed by Craxton linocut with very light yellow watercolor, as well as a few other of his original signed linocuts & etchings – some with personalised dedications to my father’s uncle. Because you are really into it, could you advise me of the value they may worth now? I’d also like to ask you a few questions regarding art collections and appraisal.
Thanks,
Jim
Hi Jim – thanks for your message. You’re very lucky to have some original linocuts. Osoborne Samuel will be able to advise you on prices as they are still selling a few – details here: http://www.osbornesamuel.com/artist-gallery.asp?id=26109&show=19212&showorder= They are very friendly and knowledgeable, so give them a ring. As far as I remember these were being sold for between £500 and £2000 depending on size and hand-colouring.
In terms of art valuing, most auction houses and galleries that deal in particular artists will be happy to value your work if you are considering selling items.
Christies offer some complimentary valuation services: http://www.christies.com/services/selling-services.aspx
All the best, Kit