This is a absolutely fabulous original (not a later edition) late 19th Century lithograph from the woodcut made by the celebrated printmaker, William Nicholson. Mount size: 50cm x 36cm Exposed Lithograph size: 27cm x 24.5cm
This highly decorative work is a lithograph from the published series called London Types and shows a portrait of one of the celebrated Beefeaters stationed at the Tower of London.
Beefeaters are ceremonial guardians of the Tower of London. They are responsible for looking after any prisoners in the Tower and safeguarding the British Crown Jewels. They have also conducted guided tours of the Tower since the Victorian days. They are also known by their proper name: The Yeomen Warders of Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London.
Although not strictly a Cries of London series - some of these street characters often appear in antique prints stretching back through the previous centuries. They chronicle street life in London in the last part of the 19th century.
The series was published in 1898 in the volume issued by Heinemann, London. It has recently been professionally mounted with a new acid-free mount, and white card backing, ready to frame.
The image is printed in black ink on brown-toned paper to imitate the woodcuts, with reds, creams and whites inks to help form the image. The print is in good antique condition.
Sir William Nicholson (1872-1949) was an English artist who was best known for his fine woodcut prints. Beginning in the 1890s, he created posters with his brother-in-law, the Scottish artist James Pryde. They used the pseudonyms J. & W. Beggarstaff. In 1897, Nicholson produced a woodcut print of Queen Victoria that was so well received that it establish his reputation with the British public
He also was famed for designed stage sets for J.M. Barrie's play: Peter Pan.
Many of his prints were originally issued in a very small run of hand-coloured woodcuts. Their popularity led to the images being transferred to lithographic stones and printed in a bound volume. His unique style is instantly recognizable, with the broad strokes from his original woodcuts printed with subtle variations of earth tones, harking back to earlier British book illustrations.
He was knighted in 1936. His children were the celebrated artists, Ben Nicholson and Nancy Nicholson. He was also the father of the architect, Christopher "Kit" Nicholson.