Sir Muirhead Bone, R.A. (1876-1953) “The Ashmolean & Balliol College”

Sir Muirhead BONE, R.A. (1876-1953)
“The Ashmolean & Balliol College from Beaumont Street”
Signed & dated, "Muirhead Bone 1939" lower right within the print
Lithograph
Published, 1940
32 cm x 45cm (print)
35 cm x 47.5 cm (framed)

An attractive 20th Century print of Oxford. This image was used as the headpiece for the 1940 issue of the celebrated annual "Oxford Almanac". The scene depicted is particularly interesting and of its time as it shows work in progress on the Beaumont Street Wing of the Ashmolean, built between 1939 and 1941, with a fence separating the construction site from the road (across which can be seen the entrance to the Playhouse Theatre). In the sky can be seen a aeroplane - a poignant reminder that the image was made in wartime. A particular knowledge of Oxford would allow the viewer to know that the plane is roughly heading towards Cowley, where the motor works there played an important role returning damaged Spitfires to the skies during the Battle of Britain.
 
Sir Muirhead Bone came to live in Oxford in the 1930's and was responsible for various of the images which were used to illustrate the annual 'Oxford Almanac'.

Presented in an original c.1950's frame.