Artwork
Twelve Artists: The Royal College of Art Centenary Year Portfolio of Prints 1996.
Twelve Artists: The Royal College of Art Centenary Year Portfolio of Prints 1996. is a print by Norman Ackroyd. It dates from 1996 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Published in 1996, this portfolio commemorates the centenary of the Royal College of Art through a curated set of twelve original prints.
About this work
This 1996 print portfolio marks the Royal College of Art’s centenary. Twelve artists—including Peter Blake and Eileen Cooper—each created a print for the set. Norman Ackroyd is one of them.
All the prints are signed "bon a tirer" impressions, meaning these are the final test proofs. Only 100 editions were later published.
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Overview
Published in 1996, this portfolio commemorates the centenary of the Royal College of Art through a curated set of twelve original prints.
Published in 1996, this portfolio commemorates the centenary of the Royal College of Art through a curated set of twelve original prints. Each contribution comes from an artist connected to the institution, either as a graduate or instructor. The works were selected to reflect the breadth of printmaking practice associated with the RCA over its first hundred years, presenting a collective snapshot of its artistic community.
Subject & Meaning
The portfolio does not center on a single theme but instead offers individual expressions from each artist, shaped by their personal styles and experiences. Subjects range from landscape and figuration to abstract and conceptual forms, reflecting the diverse trajectories of artists trained or employed at the RCA. The collection functions as a testament to the institution’s role in fostering varied artistic voices over decades.
Technique & Style
Each print was produced using distinct printmaking methods—etching, lithography, screenprinting, and others—demonstrating the technical diversity embraced by the artists. Styles vary from figurative realism to experimental abstraction, revealing the individual approaches developed within the RCA’s environment. The works prioritize artistic autonomy over uniformity, highlighting the college’s support for personal expression.
History & Provenance
The portfolio was commissioned by the Royal College of Art to mark its 100th anniversary. The twelve prints included are BAT (bon à tirer) proofs, approved by the artists as the final standard for the edition. These signed impressions were retained separately from the limited run of 100 published copies, making them rare and directly tied to the artists’ own verification of quality.
Context
The 1996 portfolio emerged during a period of renewed interest in British printmaking and institutional commemoration. It aligns with broader cultural efforts to recognize the RCA’s influence on postwar British art. By including both established and emerging figures, the collection situates the college within a continuing tradition of artistic innovation and pedagogical legacy.
Legacy
The portfolio remains a documented record of the RCA’s artistic network at a pivotal moment in its history. Its retention of BAT proofs underscores the value placed on the artist’s direct involvement in print production. While not widely exhibited, it continues to serve as a reference for scholars and collectors interested in the evolution of British printmaking and institutional identity.
Artist & collection
Artist
Norman Ackroyd (26 March 1938 – 16 September 2024) was an English visual artist known primarily for his etchings and work with aquatint. He lived and was based in Bermondsey, London.
