Sir Francis Seymour Haden

Original Francis Seymour Haden etching.

Francis Seymour Haden regarded this large etching as one of his very finest plates. Excellent impression, printed printed in a warm brown-black ink with delicate plate tone. Apparently a proof printed by Haden just after he had completed the plate, prior to the numbered edition.

This image shows a well-known salmon fishing pool on the River Ribble in Lancashire. Francis Seymour Haden first began etching as a diversion whilst pursuing his favourite pastime of fishing. He would work directly on to the prepared plate from life, often whilst sitting at the water’s edge, waiting for the fish to bite. Indeed, he regarded fishing as entirely compatible with his practise of etching – Haden is recorded to have expressed the opinion that “Angling has a peculiar charm for men of powerful and active intellect… because it calls into play all the powers of observation”. A Lancashire River is the very definition of Francis Seymour Haden’s ideal of a creative etching “… free, expressive, full of vivacity” and it remains one of the artist’s most sought-after etched works.

When R. Gutekunst released his catalogue of Francis Seymour Haden’s entire remaining stock in July 1911, this etching was one of the most expensive works on offer, priced at the then considerable sum of 10 guineas an impression.

On pale cream laid Van Gelder Zonen paper, with full margins and deckle edge. Generally very fine condition.