Blackburn

Artist Ron Adams (American, 1934 - 2020)

Publisher The Lawrence Lithography Workshop (American, founded 1979)

Date2002

MediumColor lithograph on Rives BFK tan paper

DimensionsImage: 24 13/16 × 34 7/8 inches (63.02 × 88.58 cm)
Sheet: 29 1/2 × 39 inches (74.93 × 99.06 cm)
Framed: 37 1/8 × 49 1/4 inches (94.31 × 125.1 cm)

Credit LinePurchase: acquired through the generosity of the Print Society

Object number2003.2

SignedBottom margin, pencil: 36/80 Blackburn Ron Adams/02

MarkingsPrinter's chop, lower right corner

Edition/State/Proof36/80

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DescriptionHalf-bald bespectacled black man in short-sleeved green shirt, striped apron, lifts proof from bed of press, right. Behind him, left, rear view of standing man in suit, hat, cane at right side, looking at leftmost of three prints of torso on brick wall. Upper right, window facing cityscape. Table, center rear, bearing roller, matchbox, two bottles, can holding brushes. Plant in pot, right, beyond press.Gallery Label

Gallery Label

Blackburn offers a vivid glimpse into the New York print shop of Robert Blackburn (1920–2003). Ron Adams enriched his tribute to his fellow Master Printer with a cityscape viewed through the window and a still life of printmaking materials and tools. Although Adams could have printed the homage himself, he reached out to Michael Sims, whose touch with inking he especially admired.

Blackburn dedicated his career to collaboration, community, and inclusivity. These are values for which Sims and The Lawrence Lithography Workshop are likewise renowned.

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