Piper, John: Radcliffe Camera
£2,250.00
One of his most iconic works, this is an extremely rare signed ‘trial proof’ marked ‘A/P’ (for Artist’s Proof), which Piper donated to the Appeal Fund for the Museum. It is in immaculate condition and newly framed and varies from the final edition by the absence of colouring to the buildings illustrated.
Oxford University’s Radcliffe Camera is an 18th century library building, the name is derived from the latin ‘camera’ meaning room. Designed by James Gibbs in a Baroque style and built in 1737–49 to house the Radcliffe Science Library, it is situated to the south of the Old Bodleian, north of the Church of St Mary the Virgin, and between Brasenose College to the west and All Souls College to the east. The Radcliffe Camera’s circularity, its position in the heart of Oxford, and its separation from other buildings make it the focal point of the University of Oxford.
Artist: John Piper (British, 1903-1992)
Title and date: Radcliffe Camera, 1981, (Levinson 326)
Image size: 53.0 x 35.6 cms.
Description
Artist description: Born in Epsom, John Egerton Christmas Piper studied at Richmond School of Art and the Royal College of Art from 1926-8. In the mid 1930a, after a visit to Paris, he turned to abstraction. He became a member of the London Group in 1933 and the ‘Seven and Five’ group in 1934-5. During this period he became friends with Oliver Simon of the Curwen Press and his interest in lithography and print making grew. During the Second World War, Piper was appointed as an official war artist recording the effects of the blitz on Britain’s buildings. After the war, he became a Trustee of the Tate and National Galleries and in 1959 he became a member of the Royal Fine Art Commission. Piper is best known for his extensive studies of British architecture and landscape in oil, watercolour and print, and for his photography, stained glass, ceramics, fabric design, murals, stage sets and costume design. His work is held in many Museums and Galleries.