Portrait Sketch Drawing Crinoline Lady Umbrella Parasol John Hall Cambridge University Original Art Chalk retail Charcoal Home Decor Wall Hanging

A fabulous mid century charcoal portrait of a lady holding an umbrella or parasol. I have other sketches available by the same artist, John Hall:

John Hall was a renowned Cambridge artist and teacher. He lectured at Cambridge School of Art, now Anglia Ruskin University, between 1950-1983, having served in Ceylon during World War II. He specialised in theatre and set design, and was held in great affection by a generation of students who included Pink Floyd singer Barrett, and Fluck & Law, the artists behind Spitting Image. He was also the set and costume designer for major theatrical and operatic productions at the college, both before and after the opening of the Mumford Theatre in 1970.

The Cambridge School of Art (CSA) was founded by Rev William J. Beamont (1828-1868) on the 29th October 1858 in Sidney Street. Tony Kirby, an Honorary Research Fellow for Anglia retail Ruskin University, wrote, ‘It brought together his interests in art and education, both for the working classes and (as long-term aim) the University of Cambridge: he saw the school as the seed from which a University Department of Fine Art would eventually grow.' The school was inspired by John Ruskin (1819-1900) who was ‘determined to rectify ‘sins committed against good taste' in Victorian England.' Ruskin was a notable writer, speaker and artist who stood against the industrial revolution. By 1858, he was considered to be Britain's leading cultural critic who was passionately concerned with social reform, as well as the relationship between human beings and society, nature, architecture, craftsmanship and ideas.

The Ruskin Building has served students through the ages and remains central to university life. At the heart of Anglia Ruskin University's East Road campus, the Ruskin Building was 100 years old on September 2009. Housing the Cambridge School of Art, this building continues to be at the centre of the Cambridge campus which is now undergoing a £40m expansion programme to house additional teaching space and five new lecture theatres..

It measures 20 inches by 12 1/2 inches.

The condition is very good.

It would be a lovely addition to any collection.