George Mackley

Artist’s presentation proof. An outstanding signed proof impression, signed and inscribed by the artist “Threshing at Flordon Hall. To Mrs Evans, in recognition of many kindnesses received.”

Widely considered to be George Mackey’s finest wood engraving, this large and complex subject displays every aspect of George Mackey’s engraving technique at its most skilful.

George Mackley’s outstanding ability in the medium of white-line wood engraving is seen here to the full. With his characteristically firm and precise manner he has conveyed the widest variety of textures and interplay of shadows. As this sensitive example of his craftsmanship illustrates, George Mackley rarely had cause to resort to the use of large areas of solid black, depending instead upon the variation in density which he could produce through his own skilful balance of line. A true master of his craft, George Mackley produced some of the finest examples of white-line wood engraving of the post-war era, and his book on the practical aspects of the subject (published 1948) is still one of the leading manuals on technique.

Threshing at Flordon Hall makes fascinating comparision with the large wood engravings of the English/American artist Clare Leighton.

This subject was chosen as the front cover illustration for the retrospective show on Geroge Mackey’s wood engravings staged by Blond Fine Art in London in 1995.

On smooth simile Japan paper, with full margins and deckle edge. Faint suggestion of time tone in outer margins of sheet, otherwise very good original condition.