The Impressed Image
Gallery Featured Print
Wilfred Fairclough (British 1907-1996)
Born in Blackburn, Fairclough doggedly pursued a career in art despite social disadvantage and poverty, finally
training under Osborne, Austin, Dodd and Rushbury. He won a Rome Scholarship and eventually taught at Kingston
College of Art until 1972. He etched steadily and his work spans 1932 to 1990, initially subjects from his
travels to Italy and Spain, but for the last 20 years Venice has been his inspiration. One of his last plates
'Venice Carnival, Clown' sold out in three days; a remarkable record for an etcher who started his career nearly
60 years ago. The first plate was his Royal College of Art Diploma Plate (they hold the plate and states) and is one
of his finest. The close hatching makes scanning it a nightmare. This is the smallest size than will not cause
moire on the screen. The second is 56 years and 133 etchings later, and forms the frontispiece of Ian Lowes 'The
Etchings of Wilfred Fairclough' in one of 100 special signed copies. A remarkable artist.
The Doorway (The Arrival)
Etching. 1933. L4. 252x151mm.
Venice Carnival (Secrets)
Etching and Aquatint. 1989. L137. 196x132mm.
From the Edition of 100 to accompany Lowes Catalogue Raisonne of 1990
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