Stanley Anderson and the revival of line-engraving

London’s Royal Academy of Arts is set to host an exhibition of work by print-maker Stanley Anderson, who was a major figure in the revival of line-engraving in 1920s Britain.

The National Gallery

Anderson was born in 1884 and served a seven-year apprenticeship as a printmaker.
The RA says “[He] rejected the notion of art as a means of self-expression and questioned the need for originality. Instead, he believed that it was the artist’s ‘job’ to do justice to the subject through a mastery of medium and technique.”

The Farm Hand

Anderson once said: “None of us can reach perfection, but this need not deter us from making a sincere effort to do so and thoroughly enjoy the adventure.”

Tree Fellers

Anderson died in 1966 and today he is best known for his series of engravings dedicated to England’s vanishing crafts, trades and farming practices.

Le Cafe des Papes, Avignon

He also created scenes of construction, demolition and change across the cities of Paris and London.

(Mon, 12 Jan 2015 | By Angus Montgomery )