Granny Hodge by George Soper

“Granny Hodge” by George Soper (1870-1942). George Soper was a fine etcher and painter, best known for rustic scenes. He studied art at Ramsgate and spent the early part of his career as an illustrator. He began studying etching under Sir Frank Short in 1905, however, and from that date most of his talents were directed towards original printmaking. He went on to illustrate such books as Lamb’s Tales from Shakespeare (1909) and The Arabian Nights (1913) and The Water Babies (1908), but throughout the nineteen-twenties concentrated upon etching, returning to illustration only in the ‘thirties, when he contributed to children’s books and periodicals, such as Boy’sOwn. Soper’s etchings were and are considered to be among the finest of their time. He was a regular exhibitor at the Royal Academy and a full member of the Royal Engravers. The British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum have examples of his etchings in their collections. Soper did not number his original etchings. Most, however, were published in editions of seventy-five impressions. Signed in pencil bottom right. Framed size 24 cms x 28 cms.