“FLIGHT OF FANCY,” Mary Vickers, 1973 lithograph, signed & numbered 1/200, 29x22, tender portrait of two children discovering a small bird.

“FLIGHT OF FANCY,” Mary Vickers, 1973 lithograph, signed & numbered 1/200, 29x22, tender portrait of two children discovering a small bird.

Mary Vickers’ FLIGHT OF FANCY (1973) is a signed and numbered lithograph (1/200) capturing the innocence and wonder of childhood. Two young children cradle a small bird between them, their expressions gentle and contemplative. Rendered in Vickers’ signature sepia-toned linework, this early edition exemplifies her gift for emotional storytelling and intimate figurative scenes. Published exclusively by Mitch Morse Gallery, this print remains highly sought after by collectors of 1970s figurative art.

Artwork Description

FLIGHT OF FANCY is a beautifully executed 1973 lithograph that reflects Mary Vickers’ most beloved themes: childhood wonder, tenderness, and emotional connection. The composition presents two children nestled among softly sketched foliage, their heads bowed together in shared curiosity as they hold a delicate bird.

Vickers’ sepia palette and finely controlled draftsmanship give the piece its signature warmth. Textural shading in the children’s hair and garments contrasts with the airy, expressive background—a hallmark of her style. The emotional subtlety of the children’s closed eyes and gentle gestures reinforces the quiet, reflective beauty of the scene.

Signed in graphite and marked 1/200, this extremely early impression adds significant desirability. The print’s excellent condition and strong linear detail make it an exceptional example of her early 1970s work.

Mary Vickers Biography

Mary Vickers (British, mid-20th century) is a figurative artist best known for her emotionally resonant drawings and lithographs depicting children, families, quiet domestic moments, and tender human relationships. Her work became widely collected in the 1970s and early 1980s, especially in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia, where her limited-edition prints developed a devoted following.

Early Life and Artistic Beginnings

Born in England in the 1940s, Vickers showed an early aptitude for drawing, particularly for rendering expressive faces and the subtle gestures of children. She was trained in traditional draftsmanship — a foundation that shaped the delicate, controlled linework seen throughout her lithographs. Although not formally affiliated with one academy, her early influences included British illustrators, Victorian genre painters, and contemporary figurative realists whose work emphasized emotional storytelling.

Development of Her Style

By the late 1960s, Vickers had developed the artistic language that would define her career:

• Sepia-toned drawing and lithography

• Soft hand-coloring applied to selected editions

• Narratives centered on childhood innocence, family bonds, and intimate daily moments

• Highly detailed linework combined with atmospheric shading

Her subjects—children fishing, playing, daydreaming, gardening, or interacting with parents and grandparents—captured universal emotional themes. While sentimental, her work is fundamentally rooted in keen observation, balancing technical precision with tenderness.

Professional Career and International Recognition

In the early 1970s, Vickers’ work came to the attention of the Mitch Morse Gallery, an American fine art publisher specializing in limited-edition lithographs. Recognizing the unique appeal of her figurative style, the gallery entered into an exclusive publishing arrangement with her.

For the next decade:

• All of Mary Vickers’ limited-edition lithographs were published exclusively by Mitch Morse Gallery.

• The gallery supervised edition sizes, printing quality, signing, and hand-coloring.

• Vickers’ work was distributed through fine art galleries and national art shows across the U.S. and Europe.

This partnership ensured consistency, authenticity, and strong provenance—one reason her editions remain highly collectible today.

Technique and Creative Process

Vickers worked in graphite, sepia pencil, and lithographic crayon, creating refined drawings that printers transferred to lithographic plates. Many editions included both standard lithographs and softly hand-colored versions. Edition sizes were typically 200–275, plus a small allotment of Artist’s Proofs (AP).

Themes and Artistic Vision

Collectors respond strongly to Vickers’ ability to capture:

• Childhood wonder and formative experiences

• Family relationships across generations

• Quiet reflection and emotional nuance

• The poetry of everyday life

Her imagery remains timeless, accessible, and emotionally rich.

Legacy and Collector Significance

Mary Vickers’ lithographs are admired for their technical excellence, emotional warmth, and nostalgic cultural relevance. The long-standing involvement of Mitch Morse Gallery ensures secure provenance for collectors and preserves the integrity of her editions.

Mary Vickers (British, mid-20th c.)
FLIGHT OF FANCY, 1973
Lithograph, signed & numbered 1/200
Dimensions: 29 x 22 in.
Published by Mitch Morse Gallery.
A tender childhood narrative rendered in Vickers’ classic sepia style.

CERTIFICATE OF VALUE & AUTHENTICATION
Artist: Mary Vickers (British, mid-20th century)
Title: FLIGHT OF FANCY
Year: 1973
Medium: Lithograph
Edition: 1/200
Signature: Hand-signed by the artist
Dimensions: 29 x 22 inches
Publisher: Mitch Morse Gallery (Exclusive publisher of all Mary Vickers lithographs)
Provenance: Acquired directly from Mitch Morse Gallery; Current Owner — Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC
Authenticity: Guaranteed original hand-signed limited-edition lithograph by Mary Vickers.

Provenance

Published by Mitch Morse Gallery, exclusive publisher of Mary Vickers.
Acquired directly from Mitch Morse Gallery.
Current Owner: Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC.