John Nash RA, original vintage 1946 print, lithograph, Harvesting, framed

Size:  Frame 87 x 61 cm, actual print 49 × 76 cm (19½ × 30 in)

Condition:  Print in very good condition, not previously framed/displayed, small crease or tear lower margin, minor handling marks.  Mount and frame new. 

The print was part of the output of the great educational revolution after World War 2.  Set up in 1945 by Brenda Rawnsley, the School Prints scheme commissioned well-known artists to create lithographs, to be be sold cheaply to schools for display in classrooms; the aim was to give 'school children an understanding of contemporary art'. Each lithograph had a drawn frame so that the print could be pinned to the wall. In the spirit of post-war optimism, artists responded enthusiastically. The scheme was a unique attempt at giving children access to original works of art in a period of austerity but ended in 1949 because of financial problems. 

This delightful print is full of charming detail and captures English rural life with a slightly nostalgic feel.

The print was printed by the Baynard Press and published by School Prints Limited.  Although a relatively large number of prints were sold, they are now rare.

John Nash (1893-1977) was born in London and educated at Wellington College. On the advice of his older brother, fellow artist Paul Nash, he avoided art school as a formal art training would destroy "the special thing" that John possessed. He was a founder member of the London Group and also showed with the Camden Town Group. He was a very accomplished wood engraver and lithographer and served as an official war artist in both the World Wars. On one occasion in 1917, Nash was one of eighty men ordered to cross No-Mans-Land at Marcoing near Cambrai. Of these, only Nash and eleven men returned. Afterwards Nash painted Over the Top in memory of the failed attack.

From 1924 to 1929 he taught at Ruskin School of Art in Oxford, and from 1934 to 1940 taught at the Design school at the Royal College of Art. In 1951 he was elected to the Royal Academy.