Dudley Hardy (1867-1922) was a pioneer of the British poster
at the turn of the twentieth century, a time when the art was emerging as the
prime force in an advertising revolution.
Hardy did not only poster designs, but paintings, and was
esteemed as a ‘black-and-white’ artist, when ink drawing for reproduction was often
seen as an ability separate from, but on an equal footing with painting.
In Hardy’s time, expertise and
imagination were professional pluses, rather than treated with disdain in the face of
computer prowess or the ability to copy ‘on-model’, Simpsons-style. As one may deduce from his portrait with the giant canvas, it was often very physical work.
His art is inherently attractive, straightforward and virile. He's a testament to what the artist is capable of once he's got the chance.
Best,
Milt
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