COVID – 19 continues to
keep us isolated as this new week begins. So lets continue to learn about
printmakers, especially those who are ignored by art schools…
Athraigh Print Studio
offers you a short exhibition of lithographs by Ethel Gabain.
Ethel Gabain was born in
France in 1883. She was educated as a lithographer and became a founding member
of the Senefelders club in 1909. She made over 300 lithographs and about 25
etchings. As you will see, the prints cover a range of subjects and are all
brilliantly executed. I will show you works from two of her important series.
In 1922 she was
commissioned to make 22 lithographs illustrating Jane Eyre. The lithos were
published in an edition of 495 copies.
Adèle Dancing
Lithograph, 1922
The Mad Woman
Lithograph, 1922
Jane Aiding Rochester
Lithograph, 1922
In 1940, Ethel Gabain was
commissioned by the War Artists’ Advisory Committee to produce four lithographs
of Women’s Voluntary Services members. She selected subjects she believed
epitomized the heroism of women including the Women’s Auxiliary Transport (WAT)
who delivered Lancaster
bombers singlehandedly.
Women's Work In The
War: Captain Pauline Gower Of The
Women's Air Transport Auxiliary.
Lithograph, 1940
Women's Work In The
War: Salvage Workers.
Lithograph, 1940
Women's Work In The
War: Sorting And Flinging Logs.
Lithograph, 1940
Throughout her career,
Ethel Gabain created lithos side by side with her husband John Copley. Please
check the following link to learn more of her extraordinary life:
Please check out the video version of the exhibition:
