Leonard Robert Brightwell (1889 - 1953) was a celebrated etcher and illustrator of animal subjects. He studied that the Lambeth School of Art, London. He was commissioned by the Zoological Society of London and the Marine Biological Association to make scientific drawings of a variety of creatures - including some studies of extinct animals.
His first illustrated book was published in 1913. Brightwell served in the British Army in WWI and his artistic career was put on hold. After 1920 he established himself as an important illustrator and illustrator and published a number of natural history books.
He loved doing these quirky and humourous drypoint studies of cheeky monkeys. This one is comically entitled The Social Climber - and shows a little monkey's struggle to get to the top of the tree. I love all the human expressions that Brightwell has given the animals. I have taken a lot of photos of each monkey for your inspection. It is signed and titled in pencil along the bottom margin.
This print dates to the 1920s - and is in good antique condition. We have had it recently professionally framed in a new acid-free window mount - and with a simple black frame, as photographed. It is all ready for you to just hang on your wall. This "Social Climbers" etching does not come on the market very often - so it is considered quite rare.
Dimensions: Frame Size: 49,5 x 36. The image size is 37 x 25 cm
It will be sent to you in the UK using Parcelforce tracked postage - this will cost £10 and applied to your order at the checkout.