“Reflections,” Mary Vickers, 1974 sepia lithograph, 30x22 in., signed & marked Artist’s Proof.

“Reflections,” Mary Vickers, 1974 sepia lithograph, 30x22 in., signed & marked Artist’s Proof.

A tender and contemplative 1974 Artist’s Proof lithograph by Mary Vickers, Reflections captures a young child studying their mirrored image in still water—an intimate moment rendered with Vickers’ signature Romantic sensitivity, expressive sepia linework, and emotionally rich detail. AP impressions are rare pre-edition prints, highly valued by collectors for their connection to the artist’s hands-on process.

Artwork Description

Reflections (1974) is one of Mary Vickers’ most poetic childhood compositions, portraying a small barefoot child standing at the water’s edge, gazing quietly at their own reflection. The child’s body language—a bowed head, soft posture, and tentative hand gesture— conveys innocence, wonder, and early self-awareness.

Vickers draws in her characteristic soft sepia palette, using delicate linework to shape grasses, stones, ripples, and the child’s clothing with emotional clarity. The reflection in the water, gently distorted yet recognizable, serves as both a visual anchor and symbolic motif—representing introspection, imagination, and the sweetness of childhood discovery.

As an Artist’s Proof, this impression predates the numbered edition and was traditionally reserved for the artist’s personal approval. APs are highly sought after for their rarity and proximity to the artist’s creative decision-making. Signed lower right and inscribed “Artist’s Proof” lower left, this version showcases Vickers at the height of her 1970s figurative printmaking.

Artist 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 widely distributed through fine art galleries, framing boutiques, and national art shows across the U.S. and Europe.

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

Technique and Creative Process

Vickers worked primarily in graphite, sepia pencil, and lithographic crayon, creating highly refined drawings that printers transferred to lithographic plates. Many editions were issued in two formats:

1. Standard lithographs (uncolored)

2. Hand-colored lithographs (painted individually with watercolor or light washes)

Her hand-coloring was subtle, never overpowering the drawing—always reinforcing mood and narrative. Edition sizes were typically 200–275, along with a small number of Artist’s Proofs (AP).

Themes and Artistic Vision

Collectors respond strongly to Vickers’ work because it captures universal human experiences:

• Childhood wonder and formative experiences

• Family relationships across generations

• Quiet reflection and interior emotional worlds

• The poetic beauty of everyday life

Rather than idealizing children, she portrayed them with psychological honesty—thoughtful, curious, sometimes lonely, sometimes joyful.

Legacy and Collector Significance

Today, Mary Vickers’ lithographs are sought after for:

• Their technical excellence

• Their emotional accessibility

• The consistency and integrity of her limited editions

• Their nostalgic cultural value as icons of 1970s figurative art

Her prints remain staples in vintage fine art collections and continue to be exhibited in private galleries globally. The involvement of Mitch Morse Gallery ensures clear provenance and secure attribution for collectors.

Mary Vickers (British/American, b. early 1940s)
Reflections, 1974. Lithograph, 30 x 22 in. Signed and marked “Artist’s Proof.” A tender childhood scene depicting a young child gazing into water. Rare pre-edition AP impression.

CERTIFICATE OF VALUE & AUTHENTICATION
Artist: Mary Vickers
Title: Reflections
Date: 1974
Medium: Lithograph
Dimensions: 30 x 22 inches
Edition: Artist’s Proof (AP)
Signature: Signed lower right; marked AP lower left
Provenance: Acquired in New York; Artfind Gallery, Washington DC
Condition: Excellent
Authenticity: Verified original lithograph designated AP by the artist
Estimated Market Value: See price ranges below
Issued By: Artfind Gallery, Washington DC

Provenance

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