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Illustrators in Focus:
Edward Ardizzone

As undoubtedly one of the greatest illustrators of the past 100 years, the work of Edward Ardizzone has been a key feature of almost every annual Illustrators exhibition for almost 30 years. 

This year has been one of our strongest chapters of Ardizzone drawings and watercolours to date, with almost 40 works spanning his career, from drawings for The Strand Magazine, Radio Times and Punch,  to illustrations to children's books such as Titus in Trouble, Diana and her Rhinoceros, Dick Whittington and Ship's Cook Ginger. Much of this year's chapter has come from the collection of Judy Taylor MBE, Children's Editor for Bodley Head publishing house, who work closely with Edward Ardizzone for many years.

Highly observant and immensely humane, the work of Edward Ardizzone is in direct descent from the finest French and English illustrators of the nineteenth century. 

Illustrators in Focus:
Matt Pritchett

As pocket cartoonist for the Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph, Matt Pritchett has  provided a consistently original and hilarious take on the big news stories of the day for over 30 years.

In addition to his regular appearances in our annual Illustrators exhibition, Matt has also been the feature of our annual 'Evening with Matt',  where Matt chats with guests in his usual engaging and entertaining way in a question & answer session, surrounded by a fantastic display of his latest cartoons.

Also featured in this year's Illustrators exhibition is an extensive group of works by some of the greatest contemporary cartoonists, such as the Times political cartoonist Peter Brookes, gag cartoonists Ed McLachlan and Mike Williams, and caricaturist Jonathan Cusick.

Illustrators in Focus:
Arthur Rackham

First and foremost among illustrators of the Gift Book, Arthur Rackham had a particular affinity for the northern literary tradition, from Hans Christian Andersen to Richard Wagner, and developed a perfect visual response in his intensely observed characterisation and atmospheric depiction of setting. The images tend to be remembered as grotesque and spine tingling but, wide-ranging and always apt, their mood is as likely to be humorous or tender.

Our Illustrators exhibitions of the last few years have featured extensive displays of Rackham's illustrations for Peer Gynt, A Wonder Book, A Dish of Apples, The Springtide of Life, Mother Goose and Rip Van Winkle. The magnificent Rip Van Winkle illustration, 'They Were Ruled by an Old Squaw Spirit Who Hung Up the New Moons In the Skies and Cut Up the Old Ones Into Stars', which is also the cover picture to our current Illustrators catalogue, has just sold for £65,000, proving that Rackham remains enduringly popular. 

The stunning illustrations to Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens, widely considered to be among Arthur Rackham's finest works, are always on display at the gallery, along with other beautiful illustrations to The Rainbow Book and Puck of Pook's Hill.

Chris Beetles Gallery is pleased to present a selling exhibition of Anthony Green's prints, accompanying the launch of the new book, Anthony Green: Printed Pictures.

Anthony Green is one of the most distinctive artists working in Britain today. His large, irregularly shaped compositions rehearse the experience of his life, and especially his marriage, with exuberance, humour and passion. Over a career of more than 50 years, he has produced an impressive body of work that encompasses paintings, sculptures – and prints.
 
Since 1988, Anthony has been producing two or three prints a year, many of which have featured alongside his paintings at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. This beautiful new book celebrates the artist’s achievement as a printmaker. It is based on the University of Buckingham Collection, which represents virtually all of Green’s prints to date. The images replicate the remarkably colourful palette and, where possible, the inimitable shapes.

Chris Beetles Gallery is delighted to present an online exhibition of 
60 original illustrations by Barbara Firth for Martin Waddell's Little Bear books; Sleep Tight, Little Bear (2005) and Well Done, Little Bear (1999).

All artworks will also be available to view in person at the gallery throughout December.

Prices range from ?150 to ?2,750, making these ideal Christmas presents for the grandchildren.

The gallery will be open again to visitors from Wednesday 2 December. Complimentary mince pies will be served throughout December, to celebrate the re-opening of the gallery in time for the festive period!

We understand the difficulties that many people will have in collecting from the gallery, so we would like to offer complimentary shipping on all purchases from the exhibition during December.

To enquire about any of the artworks in the exhibition, please contact the gallery through our online form or give us a call on 202 7839 7551.

Exhibitions