Prints and drawings from a century of change by England’s great artists

This survey of more than 50 British prints and drawings from the 20th century features rarely seen works from the MFA’s collection as well as recent acquisitions and loans. Ranging from an 1890s drawing of Brittany by Post Impressionist Robert Bevan to a 1999 etching by Lucian Freud—perhaps the greatest figural artist of his generation—this selection presents a surprising mixture of subjects and styles. Highlights of the exhibition are streamlined color linocuts made by Grosvenor School artists Cyril Power, Sybil Andrews, and Lill Tschudi, while abstract works on view demonstrate the “Vorticist” style—a uniquely British variant of Futurism and Cubism. Other sections of the exhibition touch on landscape, architecture, and the music hall; differing depictions of the human figure (including works by Henry Moore and David Hockney); and the British Pop explosion of the 1960s.

Above: David Hockney, Lithographic Water Made of Thick and Thin Lines, a Green Wash, a Light Blue Wash and a Dark Blue Wash (Pool 1), 1978–80. Lithograph edition of 80 26" x 34 1/2". © David Hockney / Tyler Graphics Ltd.