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 Royal College of Art. It dates from 1996 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Each print is a BAT impression—approved by the artist as the standard for the edition—and signed, distinguishing it from the standard run of 100 copies.
In 1996, a limited print portfolio was produced to commemorate the centenary of the Royal College of Art. It features original prints by twelve artists connected to the institution, either as students or faculty. Each print is a BAT impression—approved by the artist as the standard for the edition—and signed, distinguishing it from the standard run of 100 copies. The portfolio serves as both a commemorative object and a curated snapshot of the college’s artistic influence.
Subject & Meaning
The works in the portfolio reflect diverse personal styles rather than a unified theme. Each artist contributed a piece rooted in their individual practice, ranging from figurative to abstract approaches. Collectively, they represent the breadth of creative inquiry fostered at the RCA over its first century, emphasizing personal expression over institutional narrative.
Technique & Style
The portfolio showcases a range of printmaking methods, including lithography, screenprinting, and etching, reflecting each artist’s preferred medium. Styles vary from Pop-inflected imagery to more introspective, gestural compositions. The absence of stylistic conformity underscores the college’s role in nurturing individual voices rather than enforcing a singular aesthetic.
History & Provenance
The portfolio was commissioned by the Royal College of Art in 1996 as part of its centenary celebrations. It includes artists who studied or taught there between the 1950s and 1990s, linking generations of alumni and faculty. The BAT impressions were retained separately from the main edition, likely for archival or institutional use, ensuring their rarity and direct association with the creators.
Context
The portfolio emerged during a period of renewed interest in British printmaking and institutional retrospectives. Its timing coincided with broader cultural acknowledgments of postwar art education’s impact. Unlike commercial editions, this project prioritized academic legacy over market appeal, positioning the RCA as a generator of artistic innovation rather than a producer of collectibles.
Legacy
The portfolio remains a documented record of the RCA’s artistic community at a pivotal moment. Its inclusion of established and lesser-known figures highlights the institution’s role in sustaining diverse practices. As a set of signed, non-commercial impressions, it continues to serve as a reference for studying the evolution of British printmaking in the late 20th century.
Artist & collection
Artist
This is a set of prints made by artists at London’s Royal College of Art to celebrate its 100th year.
