Clarke Hutton (1898 – 1984) for School Prints “Harlequinade”, 1946, a lithograph on paper depicting a stage performance featuring characters of the commedia dell’arte. Framed and in excellent condition. Printed signature and “Harlequinade by Clarke Hutton S.P.13 Printed in England at The Baynard Press for School Prints Ltd., London”, The School Prints series was produced from 1946 to 1949, and was devised by arts campaigner Brenda Rawnsley (1917 – 2007) The aim of School Prints series was to provide primary schools with original lithographic examples of contemporary art. Instead of copying existing works, artists would be commissioned to produce unique designs on subjects understandable to children. Artists that produced works included John Nash, Henry Moore, John Tunnard, Pablo Picasso, Raoul Dufy and Henri Matisse. Design was also integral; each print was identical in size featuring a frame motif around the outside so that they could simply be attached to classroom walls.
An example of this print can be found in the Victoria & Albert Museum collection, the Tate archive and the Warwick University collection.