January 2012 - The Print Master

What do Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, Elisabeth Frink, Paula Rego, and David Hockney have in common? They have all worked with legendary printmaker, Stanley Jones. Susan Aldworth takes the chance to be his apprentice, to hear his tales, and learn his skills.

Stanley Jones, Susan Aldworth and printmaker Mike Purcell

In the 1950's the printmaking skill-base in the UK had almost completely disappeared until W S Hayter – founder of the legendary Atelier 17 studio in Paris – persuaded a talented young artist from Wigan to study the art of lithography, a skill which had been lost in the UK since the time of Whistler.

On his return to Britain, Stanley Jones, spearheaded a rapid expansion in British Printmaking – today he is revered in artistic circles as one of the greatest printmakers alive. Now in his 70's Stanley Jones's clients read like a roll call of the 20th century's great British artists.

Artist Susan Aldworth was invited to be Artist in Residence at the Curwen Studio, which Stanley was involved in setting up in the 1950's – the Tate Gallery has a special archive devoted to the studio's work. In The Print Master, we join them amongst the thundering and clanking machinery of the Curwen Studio, now near Cambridge, as Stanley initiates Susan in to the art of lithography, overhearing tales of artists he has worked with over the past 50 years. And what artists!

Today lithography is 'under threat' as increasing numbers of Art schools have disposed of their lithography presses and there are few technicians who fully understand the process. This is a unique chance to work with the world expert in this discipline, and for the listener to discover more about this art.

You can listen to the programme at the Radio 4 website ».

BBC Radio Four
Tuesday 17 Jan 2012 @ 11:30:00
Producer: Sara Jane Hall

Back to Latest News Stories »