Feel the passion of Frank Watkins in our art prints.

In the middle of the 19th century, the media world underwent a disruptive change. Journalistic tasks became a division of labor. What sounds so mundane was a sensation for society at the time. Newspapers and magazines began to systematically publish illustrations. When Herbert Ingram founded The Illustrated London News in 1842, he was well aware of the power of pictures. Even the first issue with sixteen pages contained thirty-two woodcuts. The topics were the war in Afghanistan, misfortunes and social events from the royal house. Readers clamored for the illustrated articles, and soon the magazine employed a staff of draftsmen and illustrators who made sketches on the spot. Probably one of the best known illustrators was Frank Watkins.

At the time of Frank Watkins' birth, industrialization in England had reached a level that made it possible to produce newspapers and books with illustrations of excellent quality. Parallel to this development, an artistic group had formed that belonged to the Arts and Crafts movement. Above all, William Morris and John Ruskin tried to hold on to the conservative way of art and to reduce the machine work to a minimum. What educational path Frank Watkins took has not been handed down. His illustrations tell of great talent and a deft skill. Time and technical level speak for lithographs made by Watkins. With the finest precision, the artist engraved the printing stone with a steel drawing pen and applied a special ink. Frank Watkins managed to depict events and buildings with extraordinary attention to detail. Admirable because his works were not made for display in the salon, but for the moment.

The artist's work tells his biography. Many of his works were created in London. Only a few motifs come from other European countries. Moscow, North America and the south of the continent are among the stations Watkins has visited. A special experience may have been the visit of the Queen in Birmingham, where the artist was present. In 1887, the Queen of England celebrated the 50th anniversary of her reign. An occasion that led to great festivities. Watkins was on site and made a series of snapshots of the celebrations. During this stay, works were also created in the evening, with a special play of light that makes them extraordinary. What is striking is the respectful distance that the reporter reveals. Watkins was present several times at public appearances of the queen. Whether at the invitation of the court or on behalf of the newspaper remains open. Frank Watkins' comprehensive work is a valuable documentation. A close look reveals the care and dedication with which the artist collected information and his great powers of observation.