Description

Original lithograph from the Lyons Lithographs First Series.

Designed and lithographed by Edward Bawden.

Published by J Lyons & Co Ltd and printed by Chromoworks Ltd London.

These lithographs were produced after the Second World War to improve the war weary interiors of the teashops under the influence of the directors Felix and Julian Salmon. They commissioned a series of lithographs, designed by professional artists to simply make the surroundings of the teashops more attractive. They became known as The Lyons Lithographs.

However, by deciding also to publish the prints, the Salmons were offering demonstrable support for British artists and, in turn, were consciously establishing Lyons as a corporate patron of the visual arts. Copies of the prints were made available for sale to the general public. Between 1953 and 1955 J. Lyons & Co. produced the last 12 of their lithographs for the teashops, making a total number for forty lithographs printed and published from 1946-1955. Information taken from Tea and a Slice of Art by Charles Batchelor.