The Estate of an Artist | Stanley Jones

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Once described as the ‘godfather of lithography’, my father, Stanley Jones MBE RE, was quite literally a legend in his own lifetime.  He was the embodiment of collaborative printmaking, renowned for being ‘a skilled mediator between artist and stone’.  Revered for his exceptional technical expertise in printmaking, particularly lithography, he had an exceptional knowledge of colour and was also a formidable artist in his own right.

^{▲ Stanley Jones MBE RE (1933-2023) 'Sarn' (£150-200)}

As the works in this sale amply demonstrate, he has left a remarkable legacy, having placed lithography at the heart of modern art, not just in Britain, but around the world too.  Through his printmaking collaborations, as well as his own work, he delivered a prodigious and unique artistic output.

Recognition of his achievements came from all quarters throughout his long and distinguished career, but a particular testament to his accomplishments is that so much of his collaborative printmaking work - including numerous examples in this sale - is held in major public and private permanent collections around the world.

^{▲ Stanley Jones MBE RE (1933-2023) 'Umbra' (£150-200)}

A graduate of the Slade School of Fine Art and a student at École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, he founded the Curwen Studio in 1958, after short spells both as an apprentice in a Parisian atelier and then as a printer in St Ives for Hepworth, Heron and Lanyon, amongst others.  The studio was to become an epicentre of lithography for over 50 years.  Many of the greatest 20th-century artists spent time there, not only working with him, but also benefiting from his trademark blend of technical guidance, artistic insight, endless encouragement and a mild-mannered approach.  His wizardry and midwifery in printmaking enabled countless artists to produce printed work of outstanding quality that, through the medium of lithography, opened up new possibilities for the development and expression of their ideas, while also bringing them further recognition for their work.

^{▲ John Piper CH (1903-1992) 'Foliate Head' (Levinson 256) (£300-500)}

Dealing with my late father’s estate has been a time of mixed emotions for our family; there is the deep sense of sadness and loss, of course, but there has also been the unique privilege of being able to savour and reflect on a lifetime full of remarkable achievements, evidenced by the enormity and breadth of the artistic contribution that he left behind.  

^{▲ Henry Moore OM CH FBA (1898-1986) 'Girl Seated at Desk', 1974 (£8,000-12,000)}

In selecting works for this sale, we have visited key points along the arc of his printmaking journey, with the inclusion of both early, middle and late career examples.  As well as highlights from some of his best-known collaborations, including those with Moore, Hepworth and Piper, there are also many other fine lithographs that will be very familiar.  We have also included a small selection of my father’s own lithographic work, examples of which are also held in public and private collections.

Matthew Jones, August 2024

Tuesday 1 & Wednesday 2 October | 10am

pictures@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778

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