Rural English Landscape with Village and Church
Limited Edition Print on paper • Michael Barnfather (born 1934)
Style & Movement
Contemporary British Realism / Traditional Landscape
Medium & Technique
Offset lithograph; a reproduction of an original oil painting utilizing a fine-screen printing process.
Creation Period
1977 (published date visible on the top margin)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 16 x 20 inches (image); Landscape format in a large decorative mat and gilded wood frame.
Subject Description
A panoramic topographical view of the English countryside featuring a small village with a prominent stone church tower, white-walled cottages, and rolling hills in the background under a spacious sky with light clouds. The composition uses a high horizon line to emphasize the detailed foreground fields and foliage.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The print appears well-preserved within its framing, though there is a prominent light reflection in the photograph. No immediate signs of foxing or acid burning are visible from the image.
Estimated Market Value
£40 - £80 ($50 - $100 USD)
Auction Estimate
£30 - £60 ($35 - $75 USD)
Provenance History
Published in 1977 by Alexander Gallery Publications Ltd., Bristol, England (as indicated by the text in the upper margin). Originally sold through commercial galleries specializing in contemporary British prints.
Art Historical Significance
Michael Barnfather is a well-known 20th-century British landscape artist celebrated for his detailed, atmospheric depictions of the Peak District, Cotswolds, and Scotland. This print represents the commercial success of the 'gallery print' market in 1970s Britain, making traditional fine art accessible to a middle-market audience.
Notable Features
Includes a visible publisher's credit in the upper margin: 'Published in 1977 by Alexander Gallery Publications Ltd., Bristol, England.' Features a printed signature 'BARNFATHER' followed by date '75' in the lower-left, and an original pencil signature by the artist in the lower-right margin, indicating a signed limited edition.
Condition Issues
Potential light fading (common for 1970s lithographs) and possible acid migration from the original mounting board if not replaced with archival materials. The frame shows minor edge wear.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent UV fading. If the backing is original 1970s cardboard, it should be replaced with acid-free museum board to prevent yellowing of the paper.