Original lithographs from the 1940s
Towards the end of the Second World War Brenda Rawnsley and her husband Derek had the idea of bringing contemporary art to young children who would otherwise not have had the opportunity
to see ‘good’ work. Within a few years Brenda had set up School Prints Ltd to sell original lithographs to schools and had commissioned several of the most important living artists for her scheme.
Brenda Rawnsley sought the advice and assistance of the art historian Herbert Read and between them they chose the artists. The printing was undertaken by the Baynard Press from stones or zinc
plates drawn by the artists, who were asked to use no more than six colours. The prints, being original lithographs, were often the first real art seen by young people of that period and are typical of their time.
We were amazed to discover a cache of a number of these wonderful original lithographs a full sixty years after they were editioned. They are all in mint condition and we are delighted to be able to offer them for your collection.
We are extremely grateful to Ruth Artmonsky for allowing us to quote extensively from her marvellous book The School Prints, A Romantic Project which is available from us, price £18 including uk p&p.
