Hubert Andrew Freeth

1912 - 1986

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Merenda 1939

Original etching.

Excellent impression from the only edition of 109 signed proofs, printed by the artist in late 1939 and issued by the Print Collectors’ Club as their presentation plate in 1940.

£250

Merenda 1939

Original etching.

Excellent impression from the only edition of 109 signed proofs, printed by the artist in late 1939 and issued by the Print Collectors’ Club as their presentation plate in 1940.

£240

Fishermen in Algeciras

Original etching and aquatint.

A particularly fine signed proof impression of this large etching with aquatint.

SOLD

Firegod 1966

Original etching and aquatint, printed in colours.

Very good signed proof impression from the only edition of 60 numbered proofs printed for the Print Collectors’ Club and issued as their presentation plate in 1966.

SOLD

George 1934

Original etching.

Very fine proof impression with selectively wiped plate tone. Scarce.

SOLD

La Nonna Bellini 1936-37

Original etching.

Very fine signed proof impression.

SOLD

The marvellous portrait etchings of H.A. Freeth rank amongst the finest printed portraits of the period. Unlike his elaborate figure compositions, which were based upon numerous preparatory drawings, Freeth’s portraits were invariably etched directly onto the plate. The spontaneity which this direct approach produced is immediately apparent, and seems to have enabled Freeth to convey perfectly his penetrating insight into the character of his sitters.

A close friend and exact contemporary of R.T. Cowern, H.A. Freeth began etching at Birmingham Art School in 1931. By the early 1930’s it had become uncommon to issue full formal editions immediately from etching plates, due to the poor state of the commercial etching market. Consequently, Freeth appears to have taken impressions from a plate only when desired and it is this practice which may account for the comparative rarity of his etchings today. [more]