E D W A R D  A R D I Z Z O N E

British, 1900-1979

A toast

Watercolour on paper

11.5 x 15.5 cm (4 1/2 x 6 1/8 in).

Signed with initials 'E.A' (lower right)

PROVENANCE:

Sotheby’s, London, 12 May 1993, lot 156

One of England’s favorite and most recognisable illustrators, Ardizzone drew constantly, sometimes on any odd scrap of paper but usually in smallish books, publisher’s dummies, which he was given for nothing, had decent paper and were unobtrusive – he did not like being noticed.  These sketchbooks are now in The Ashmolean Museum in Oxford.

Edward Ardizzone's paintings can be seen in all the major museums and galleries. He is particularly well represented in the Imperial War Museum, who hold an important collection of his work as an official war artist – perhaps some of his finest paintings. They also have his war diaries.

Original drawings for Ardizzone’s children’s books and other illustrative work can be seen in Seven Stories, The Centre for the Children’s Book in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and The Welsh National Centre for Children’s Literature in Aberystwyth.

PRICE £3,000