Leisure – etching

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1927, John Percivale Moody

Edition Number: N/A, signed and dated in pencil by the artist.

Supplied mounted and framed

This is a beautiful little etching, 1927, in the arts and crafts style. It is of the poem “Leisure” by Welsh poet W. H. Davies (published 1911). It is particularly charming with all of its little mistakes, including the inking of some of the lettering and the spelling of ‘squirrels’.

The edges of the paper have been badly damaged, and it was in a state of disrepair. Please see the photos for details. I have conserved the paper, by removing the acid and creating an alkaline buffer against future damage. I have strengthened the edges of the paper, and repaired some tears. It remains in a delicate condition, but should now be protected, preventing further damage. It is mounted in conservation standard mount board, in a frame of the same era, which I feel suits it perfectly.

It has a note in pencil on the back – Aunt Marg, with love and best wishes for Christmas and the New Year – Jack. It also has a prominent watermark in the paper, seen in the photographs.

What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to turn at Beauty’s glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.

John Percivale Moody (1906-1993) trained at the Royal Academy Schools and worked as an artist in a studio previously used by Ravilious(1903 – 1942) and Bawden (1903 – 1989). He exhibited in London and taught at the Wimbledon School of Art in the 1930’s. He was a founding member of the New Kingston Group of artists.

He later became a respected opera and theatre producer. He worked as a producer at Sadler’s Wells Opera Company, as Drama Director of the Arts Council and Director of the Bristol Old Vic Theatre Company. He later worked with the Welsh National Opera in the 60’s and 70’s, and received an OBE in 1961.