“FLIGHT OF FANCY,” Mary Vickers, 1975 lithograph, signed Artist’s Proof, 29x22, tender depiction of two children sharing a quiet moment with a bird.

“FLIGHT OF FANCY,” Mary Vickers, 1975 lithograph, signed Artist’s Proof, 29x22, tender depiction of two children sharing a quiet moment with a bird.

Mary Vickers’ FLIGHT OF FANCY (1975) is a signed Artist’s Proof—a rare, highly collectible pre-edition impression created for the artist’s personal approval. Rendered in Vickers’ signature sepia-toned linework, this tender figurative lithograph portrays two children in a sheltered thicket gently admiring a small bird. As with all Vickers works from the period, the print was published exclusively by Mitch Morse Gallery, ensuring authenticity, consistent production quality, and impeccable provenance. Artist’s Proofs of Vickers’ lithographs are especially sought after for their scarcity and historical significance.

Artwork Description

This 1975 Artist’s Proof of FLIGHT OF FANCY exemplifies Mary Vickers’ technical mastery and emotional storytelling. Two children stand close together amidst softly sketched foliage, their expressions serene as they cradle a tiny bird between them. Vickers’ sepia palette lends warmth, while her delicate cross-hatching and lyrical linework create texture, depth, and a dreamlike atmosphere.

The Artist’s Proof designation makes this impression particularly valuable: APs are traditionally reserved for the artist, printer, and publisher prior to the numbered edition. The signature is strong, and the paper retains excellent tone and texture. The composition highlights Vickers’ core themes—childhood innocence, gentle discovery, and the private emotional world of children—making this a quintessential and highly desirable example of her mid-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, 1975
Lithograph, signed Artist’s Proof (AP)
Dimensions: 29 x 22 in.
Published by Mitch Morse Gallery.
A rare AP impression of one of Vickers’ most endearing childhood-themed lithographs.

CERTIFICATE OF VALUE & AUTHENTICATION
Artist: Mary Vickers (British, mid-20th century)
Title: FLIGHT OF FANCY
Year: 1975
Medium: Lithograph
Edition: Artist’s Proof (AP)
Signature: Hand-signed by the artist
Dimensions: 29 x 22 inches
Publisher: Mitch Morse Gallery (Exclusive publisher of all Mary Vickers lithographs)
Provenance:

• Published by Mitch Morse Gallery

• Acquired directly from Mitch Morse Gallery

• Current Owner: Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC
  Authenticity: Guaranteed original Mary Vickers Artist’s Proof lithograph.

Provenance

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