Richard Beer (1928 – 2017)

Richard Beer was a painter and printmaker who focused on architecture and landscapes. He studied at the Slade School of Art from 1945 to 1950 and then studied at the École des Beaux Arts in Paris on a French Government Scholarship. He then worked and studied at Atelier 17, an art school and studio run by the artist Stanley William Hayter (arguably one of the most significant printmakers of the 20th century). The atelier was highly influential in the study and promotion of 20th-century printmaking, and it was here that Beer developed his etching skills.

Beer then went on to work for the Royal Ballet choreographer John Cranko, designing the sets and costumes for “The Lady and the Fool” at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. He also produced several book illustrations and book jacket designs.

Beer taught printmaking at the Chelsea School of Art for 40 years and was also a founding member of the Printmakers’ Council. He travelled widely through Italy, France, Spain, and Morocco, sketching prolifically and painting rural and architectural landscapes. Beer would then make etchings and paintings in his Primrose Hill studio, inspired by the landscapes he had sketched and seen while travelling. Probably his greatest work was a collaboration with John Betjeman to produce a portfolio of prints of ten Wren Churches in the City of London for Editions Alecto, copies of which are in The Government Art Collection. That collection contains a total of 54 prints by Beer, and the Tate Gallery’s collection holds another seven. His series of Oxford architectural engravings was also produced for Editions Alecto, as was a series of predominantly architectural views in Southern Europe.

  • Richard Beer (1928 - 2017)

    Lecce Cathedral, Puglia

      Oil on canvas 122 x 85 cm Provenance: the artist's studio. A momentous depiction of Lecce Cathedral in all its glory. This oil painting is a fantastic example of Beer's focus on architecture, the central and recurring theme of his pictorial idiom. Born in London in 1928, just too late to serve in the Second World War, Richard Beer studied between 1945 - 1950 at the Slade School. Subsequently, a French Government scholarship allowed him to spend time in Paris at Atelier 17, working under Stanley William Hayter (1901 - 1988), one of the most significant print makers of the 20th Century – having spent the War in New York, advising as a camofleur, Hayter only returned to Paris in 1950. Subsequently Beer studied at the École des Beaux Arts, Paris. Working for John Cranko, choreographer for the Royal Ballet, Beer designed the sets and costumes for his The Lady and the Fool at Covent Garden, subsequently working for him following his move in 1961 to Stuttgart Ballet. Additionally he produced book illustrations and designed book jackets. Beer later taught print-making at the Chelsea School of Art, where he was a popular teacher. Probably his greatest work was a collaboration with John Betjeman to produce a portfolio of prints of ten Wren Churches in the City for Editions Alecto, copies of which are in The Government Art Collection. That collection contains a total of 54 prints by Beer, and the Tate Gallery’s collection holds seven. His Oxford series was also produced for Editions Alecto as was a series of predominantly architectural views in Southern Europe. Most of his prints are of architectural subjects. Condition: generally very good. If you are interested, please email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Click here for other works by Richard Beer.
  • Richard Beer (1928 - 2017)

    European Cathedral

      Oil on canvas 66 x 76 cm A mountaintop cathedral and surrounding houses; broad blue sky fills the rest of the canvas. This oil painting is a fantastic example of Beer's focus on architecture, the central and recurring theme of his pictorial idiom. Born in London in 1928, just too late to serve in the Second World War, Richard Beer studied between 1945 - 1950 at the Slade School. Subsequently, a French Government scholarship allowed him to spend time in Paris at Atelier 17, working under Stanley William Hayter (1901 - 1988), one of the most significant print makers of the 20th Century – having spent the War in New York, advising as a camofleur, Hayter only returned to Paris in 1950. Subsequently Beer studied at the École des Beaux Arts, Paris. Working for John Cranko, choreographer for the Royal Ballet, Beer designed the sets and costumes for his The Lady and the Fool at Covent Garden, subsequently working for him following his move in 1961 to Stuttgart Ballet. Additionally he produced book illustrations and designed book jackets. Beer later taught print-making at the Chelsea School of Art, where he was a popular teacher. Probably his greatest work was a collaboration with John Betjeman to produce a portfolio of prints of ten Wren Churches in the City for Editions Alecto, copies of which are in The Government Art Collection. That collection contains a total of 54 prints by Beer, and the Tate Gallery’s collection holds seven. His Oxford series was also produced for Editions Alecto as was a series of predominantly architectural views in Southern Europe. Most of his prints are of architectural subjects. Condition: excellent. If you’d like to know more, please email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Click here for other views by Richard Beer.
  • Richard Beer (1928 - 2017)

    Volterra

      Etching and aquatint 60 x 45 cm Titled and numbered 4/70 lower left, and signed lower right, both in pencil. Beer's yellow-hued view of Volterra, a mountain town in Tuscany. Overseen by the beating Italian sun, a church perches atop a hill marked by trees and rocky outcrops. Born in London in 1928, just too late to serve in the Second World War, Richard Beer studied between 1945 - 1950 at the Slade School. Subsequently, a French Government scholarship allowed him to spend time in Paris at Atelier 17, working under Stanley William Hayter (1901 - 1988), one of the most significant print makers of the 20th Century – having spent the War in New York, advising as a camofleur, Hayter only returned to Paris in 1950. Subsequently Beer studied at the École des Beaux Arts, Paris. Working for John Cranko, choreographer for the Royal Ballet, Beer designed the sets and costumes for his The Lady and the Fool at Covent Garden, subsequently working for him following his move in 1961 to Stuttgart Ballet. Additionally he produced book illustrations and designed book jackets. Beer later taught print-making at the Chelsea School of Art, where he was a popular teacher. Probably his greatest work was a collaboration with John Betjeman to produce a portfolio of prints of ten Wren Churches in the City for Editions Alecto, copies of which are in The Government Art Collection. That collection contains a total of 54 prints by Beer, and the Tate Gallery’s collection holds seven. His Oxford series was also produced for Editions Alecto as was a series of predominantly architectural views in Southern Europe. Most of his prints are of architectural subjects. Condition: very good. If you’d like to know more, please email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • Richard Beer (1928-2017) Christ Church Newgate (1970)

    Colour etching and aquatint on Velin Arches, published by Editions Alecto 63x48cm Full sheet size 73 x 55cm Signed, titled and numbered 75/150 Click here for biography and other works by this artist. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Print in good condition, margins well outside platemark show some discolouration and handling marks which will be hidden behind mat/mount.
  • Richard Beer (1928-2017) St John's College, Oxford (1964-65)

    Colour etching and aquatint on Velin Arches, published by Editions Alecto 58 x 43 cm Full sheet size 73 x 55.5 cm Signed, titled and numbered 19/100 Click here for biography and other works by this artist. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Print in good condition, margins well outside platemark show some discolouration and handling marks which will be hidden behind mat/mount. Mounted to board.
  • Richard Beer (1928-2017) Merton, Oxford (1964-65)

    Colour etching and aquatint 45x60cm 68x85.5 including frame, UK shipping only Signed and numbered 44/100 Click here for biography and other works by this artist. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Good.
  • Richard Beer (1928-2017) Oxford Spires - All Souls College and Radcliffe Camera

    Limited edition coloured etching signed in pencil and numbered 75/150. 62x44cm Born in London in 1928, just too late to serve in World War II, Richard Beer studied between 1945-1950 at the Slade School. Subsequently, a French Government scholarship allowed him to spend time in Paris at Atelier 17, working under Stanley William Hayter (1901-1988), one of the most significant print makers of the 20th Century – having spent the War in New York, advising as a camofleur, Hayter only returned to Paris in 1950. Subsequently Beer studied at the École des Beaux Arts, Paris. Working for John Cranko, choreographer for the Royal Ballet, Beer designed the sets and costumes for his The Lady and the Fool at Covent Garden, subsequently working for him following his move in 1961 to Stuttgart Ballet. Additionally he produced book illustrations and designed book jackets. Richard Beer taught print-making at the Chelsea School of Art where he was a popular teacher. Probably his greatest work was a collaboration with John Betjeman to produce a portfolio of prints of ten Wren Churches in the City for Editions Alecto, copies of which are in The Government Art Collection. That collection contains a total of 54 prints by Beer, and the Tate Gallery’s collection holds seven. His Oxford series was also produced for Editions Alecto, as was a series of predominantly architectural views in Southern Europe. Most of his prints are of architectural subjects, where he explores the use of colour in interesting fashion. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Excellent.
  • Richard Beer (b.1928) 'Hôtel de la Gare'

    Colour etching and aquatint Signed and numbered 41/70 to lower margin Plate size 34.5 x 42.5cm; sheet size 57 x 75cm Richard Beer enrolled at the Slade in 1945, when Lucien Freud, Graham Sutherland and Keith Vaughan were teaching there, before moving to Paris in 1950 where he continued his studies under Stanley William Hayter at Atelier 17 and at the École des Beaux-Arts. In 1955 he began designing theatrical sets and costumes, notably for John Cranko's 'The Lady and the Fool' at Covent Garden, and for the Deutsches Oper in Berlin and the Staatsteater Stuttgart. This background in design may be behind the flattened planes, subtle atmospheric colours and striking architectural compositions of his prints. In 1970 Beer collaborated with John Betjeman to produce a folio of prints entitled 'Ten Wren Churches' published by Editions Alecto. Since 1973 his prints have been published by Christie's Contemporary Art and he also receiveded commissions from London Transport. He travelled frequently to Europe, particularly to Italy where this Venetian café scene was conceived. Beer taught printmaking at the Chelsea School of Art, the Slade and the British School at Rome and was a founding member of the Printmaker's Council. His works are included in the collection of the Tate and the Government Art Collection. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Excellent.
  • Richard Beer (1928-2017)

    Hotel du Commerce, France

    Oil painting 51x60 cm Click here for biography and other works by this artist. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • Richard Beer (1928-2017)

    Oriel College, Oxford

    Limited edition coloured etching signed and titled in pencil and numbered 39/100. 47x61 cm A copy of this print is in the Government Art Collection. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • Richard Beer (1928-2017)

    St Augustine's Church Watling Street London

    Coloured etching and screen print Signed and numbered 57/75 to lower margin Plate size 63 x 43cm From 'Ten Wren Churches' St Augustine's Watling Street was first recorded in the 12th century, destroyed by the Great Fire of London in 1666 and then rebuilt as part of Christopher Wren's rebuilding of London. During the Second World War it was again destroyed, and the tower - restored in 1954 - is now a part of St Paul's Cathedral Choir School. Condition: slight toning to sheet and some discolouration to margins. A copy of this print is in the Government Art Collection. Click here for biography and other works by this artist. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • Richard Beer (1928-2017)

    Noto II (1966)

    Colour etching and aquatint on Velin Arches, published by Editions Alecto 60x45cm (23.6×17.9 inches) Proof print A copy of this print is in the Government Art Collection. Click here for biography and other works by this artist. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • Richard Beer (1928-2017)

    Piazza Amerina II (1966)

    Colour etching and aquatint on Velin Arches, published by Editions Alecto 60.2x45cm (23.7×17.7 inches) Proof print - trial proof in pink A copy of this print is in the Government Art Collection. Click here for biography and other works by this artist. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • Richard Beer (1928-2017)

    Piazza Amerina II (1966)

    Colour etching and aquatint on Velin Arches, published by Editions Alecto 60.2x45cm (23.7×17.7 inches) Unsigned proof print - trial proof in yellow A copy of this print is in the Government Art Collection. Click here for biography and other works by this artist. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • Richard Beer (1928-2017)

    Quattro Canti (1966)

    Coloured etching and aquatint on Velin Arches, published by Editions Alecto 60.2x45cm (23.7×17.7 inches) Proof print A copy of this print is in the Government Art Collection. Click here for biography and other works by this artist. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • Richard Beer (1928-2017)

    Brasenose College, Oxford

    Signed print, numbered 55/100 61x44cm A copy of this print is in the Government Art Collection. Click here for biography and other works by this artist. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • Richard Beer (1928-2017)

    Wadham College, Oxford (1964-65)

    Colour etching and Aquatint on Velin Arches by Editions Alecto. 59.8x40cm (23.5×15.7 inches) Proof Print A copy of this print is in the Government Art Collection. Click here for biography and other works by this artist. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • Richard Beer (1928-2017)

    Christchurch, Oxford (1964-65)

    Signed and titled, and numbered 24/100 Colour etching and aquatint on Velin Arches, published by Editions Alecto 64x48cm  Click here for biography and other works by this artist. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • Richard Beer (1928-2017)

    Magdalen Bridge, Oxford (1964-65)

    Signed, titled and numbered 56/150 Etching and aquatint  57.5 x 44cm  Click here for biography and other works by this artist. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Good.
  • Richard Beer (1928 - 2017)

    Trinity College, Oxford (1964 / 65)

      Etching and aquatint 42.5 x 58 cm Numbered 27 / 100. Published by Editions Alecto. A copy of this print, owned by the Government Art Collection, is currently in the British Embassy in Saudi Arabia. Richard Beer was a painter and printmaker who focused on architecture and landscapes. He studied at the Slade School of Art from 1945 to 1950 and then studied at the École des Beaux Arts in Paris on a French Government Scholarship. He then worked and studied at Atelier 17, an art school and studio run by the artist Stanley William Hayter (arguably one of the most significant printmakers of the 20th century). The atelier was highly influential in the study and promotion of 20th-century printmaking, and it was here that Beer developed his etching skills. Beer then went on to work for the Royal Ballet choreographer John Cranko, designing the sets and costumes for "The Lady and the Fool" at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. He also produced several book illustrations and book jacket designs. Beer taught printmaking at the Chelsea School of Art for 40 years and was also a founding member of the Printmakers' Council. He travelled widely through Italy, France, Spain, and Morocco, sketching prolifically and painting rural and architectural landscapes. Beer would then make etchings and paintings in his Primrose Hill studio, inspired by the landscapes he had sketched and seen while travelling. Probably his greatest work was a collaboration with John Betjeman to produce a portfolio of prints of ten Wren Churches in the City of London for Editions Alecto, copies of which are in The Government Art Collection. That collection contains a total of 54 prints by Beer, and the Tate Gallery’s collection holds another seven. His series of Oxford architectural engravings was also produced for Editions Alecto, as was a series of predominantly architectural views in Southern Europe. If you are interested, please email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Click here for other views of Trinity College, Oxford.

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