Eric Fraser is one of the most significant British illustrators and designers of the 20th century, who produced work that is at once wide-ranging and highly distinctive. Developing an assured technique and an impressive general knowledge, he could adapt his style to almost any subject matter, from ancient to modern, and any mood, from the whimsical to the tragic. He was also industrious, meticulous and dependable. As a result, he defined the look of Radio Times for over four decades and became a mainstay of J M Dent's Everyman's Library while also creating impressive murals and stained glass windows and an astonishing variety of advertising.

This major retrospective exhibition, of 300 works, surveys Fraser's entire career, and touches on almost every aspect of his achievement, from rare early watercolours to late designs for the boxes for BBC study tapes.

At the heart of the show sits a major group of contributions to Radio Times, which appeared between the 1920s and the 1970s, and comprises a history of the magazine as well as of the artist. Subjects range across Shakespeare's history plays, Wagner's operas and such classic novels as Tolstoy's War and Peace.

There are also examples of work for other magazines, including Lilliput, The Listener and Punch, and a set of delightful fashion drawings for Harper's Bazaar.

Commissions from The Folio Society, including Manzoni's The Betrothed, and titles for children, including Sir William and the Wolf and Other Stories represent Fraser's strength as a book illustrator. Dust jackets and covers, notably for J M Dent's Everyman's Library and The Scientific Book Club, display his bold use of colour. Advertising artwork, for such companies as Rothmans of Pall Mall, and Post Office Greetings Telegrams further exemplify his skills as a designer.

The artist's major role as a muralist is demonstrated by highly finished preparatory drawings of Kings and Queens of England for The History of Parliament exhibition, of 1951, and of British Explorers for the Brussels Expo, 1958. His religious subjects include Nativities, for projects ranging from altarpieces to Christmas cards.

A 148-page fully illustrated colour catalogue, with an introductory essay and extensive notes, accompanies the exhibition. It is priced at £20 (+p&p).

Chris Beetles Gallery
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