Mid Century Print
Mid century print selections encompass striking lithographs, woodblock works and paintings that capture the modernist and mid-century aesthetic.
Mid Century Print
When seeking a mid century print, collectors encounter a diverse array of framed artwork, fine art prints, and paintings originating predominantly from the mid-twentieth century.
The selections span mid-century modern, modernism, and modern British styles, alongside occasional traditional realism and pieces reaching back to earlier centuries.
Forms range from wall art and lithographs to watercolours, oils on canvas, and textured painted prints on board.
How they were made
Artisans and artists utilised paper, board, and canvas as the primary surfaces for ink, oil paint, watercolour, and oil pastels.
Printing techniques included lithography, pochoir, and woodblock printing, often paired with hand-applied pigments or mixed media embellishments.
Listings feature paper, wood, glass, ink, board, oil paint, watercolour, and canvas across the 1930, 1940, 1950, and 1960 periods.
What varies in quality
Quality rests upon the strength of the medium's application, whether ink impression depth or oil paint texture on canvas and board.
The distinction between standard decorative pieces and top-tier works lies in the clarity of the execution, the preservation of paper or canvas, and the authenticity of the signature or printing process.
Donald Grant·Francis Bacon·Anton Weiss·Marc Chagall·Samuel Rabin·Sir Peter Markham Scott·John Meredith·Pablo Picasso·Erich Mercker·Cecil Beaton·George Philips and Son Ltd·Shiro Katamatsu·Ralston Gudgeon·John Rattenbury Skeaping·David Shepherd·Gabriel Dauchot·Gino Severini·John Merrifield·Sir Peter Blake·Charles F Tunnicliffe·Terence Loudon·Shoda Koho·John Leech·Mariette Lydis·Eman Bowen
The Mid Century Print Glossary
- Lithograph
- A planographic printing process using a flat stone or metal plate. Artists utilise this technique to produce multiple original impressions on paper.
- Woodblock print
- A relief printing technique where an image is carved into a block of wood. Pigment is applied and transferred to paper under pressure.
- Pochoir
- A stencil-based colouring technique. Hand-applied pigments create vibrant prints with sharp edges.
- Mixed media
- An artwork combining two or more distinct artistic materials or mediums. Painters might integrate ink, watercolour, and pastel on a single board.
- Oleograph
- A textured print produced to imitate an oil painting. Manufacturers use lithographic processes on canvas or heavy paper.
Mid Century Print: Frequently Asked Questions
What defines a mid century print?
These works include lithographs, woodblock prints, and paintings created during the mid-twentieth century.
They reflect modernist movements and feature diverse media on paper, board, and canvas.
How should I hang these artworks?
Consider framing materials like wood and glass to protect paper and canvas works from environmental wear.
Group pieces by palette or period to create a cohesive display on the wall.
Are these works original?
Many listings feature original lithographs, limited edition signed prints, and direct paintings on board or canvas.
Check the individual listing details for specific print runs and artist signatures.
How do I care for paper prints?
Keep framed pieces away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of ink, watercolour, and oil pigments.
Ensure glazing protects the delicate paper or board surfaces from moisture.