Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a print by Haydn Mackey. It dates from 1938 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
This is a small print by Haydn Mackey from 1938. It’s handmade and one of a kind. Mackey often used bold colors and sharp shapes in his prints.
The coolest part? He faked colored prints by painting oil colors on the back of tracing paper. Then he flipped it face-down on thick paper. The colors show through, but the image flips.
See more of his tricks at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Overview
Untitled is a unique, handmade print created by Haydn Mackey in 1938. It exemplifies the artist's distinctive approach to printmaking, characterized by bold colors and sharp geometric forms.
Subject & Meaning
The subject of this 1938 print remains unspecified, as the title 'Untitled' suggests. However, its composition, featuring bold colors and sharp shapes, aligns with Mackey's broader practice of emphasizing visual immediacy and modernist aesthetics.
Technique & Style
Mackey achieved the print's vibrant, 'colored print' appearance through an innovative hand-colouring technique. Using opaque oil paint on the reverse of transparent tracing paper, he then mounted the print, painted side down, onto oatmeal backing paper, allowing the colors to show through while inverting the image.
History & Provenance
This print is part of a collection of proofs showcasing Mackey's diverse output, including illustrations, covers, and fine prints. Unlike his book illustrations, Mackey's fine prints, such as this one, were not produced on a large scale.
Context
Active from the early 20th century until his death in 1979, Haydn Mackey worked as both a book illustrator and printmaker. His linocuts and woodcuts, often hand-coloured, reflect a blend of modernist and artisanal practices.
Legacy
Mackey's prints, including this piece, are now recognized for their technical ingenuity and aesthetic appeal. The Victoria and Albert Museum holds a collection of his works, highlighting his contribution to mid-20th-century printmaking techniques and styles.
Artist & collection
Artist
Haydn Mackey made prints in the first half of the 20th century, mixing everyday scenes with bold lettering.
