End of an era as Curwen Studio print archive goes on sale

A large archive of prints by 20th century artists from the Curwen Studio, formerly based at Chilford Hall, is going under hammer at Cheffins in an online auction.

The Curwen Studio was founded in London in 1863 and relocated to Chilford Hall in 1989 by businessman and art enthusiast, Sam Alper, and produced tens of thousands of prints by some of the most important 20th century artists. After his death in 2002, the studio returned to London.

His wife Fiona Alper, who is selling the collection, said: “During the 20th and 21st centuries the Curwen name put its stamp firmly on art history. The studio enjoyed global acclaim for its pioneering work in the world of print under the direction of master printmakers Kip Gresham and Stanley Jones. This sale of Curwen works marks a poignant end to an illustrious period of development in the lithographic printing process.”

Brett Tryner, director at Cheffins, said: “The key artists of the 20th and 21st century are the ones to watch in this market, with works from the likes of Edward Bawden, Bernard Dunstan and Lionel Bulmer, offering some of the best lithographs or prints available, especially those which carry a signature and a low edition number. The joy with prints is that they provide a way to invest for less, making them a viable option for those looking to start a collection.”

Bidding closes at 12pm on Friday, August 28. For details, visit cheffins.co.uk or call 01223 213343.

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