F. L. Griggs
Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford

Lithograph
31 x 47 cm

Frederick Landseer Maur Griggs was a British etcher, draughtsman, and illustrator known for his highly detailed and atmospheric depictions of the English countryside. Born in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, in 1876, he trained at the Slade School of Fine Art in London before working as an illustrator for The Highways and Byways book series.

Griggs became one of the leading figures of the British etching revival in the early 20th century. His works, often depicting medieval-inspired landscapes and architectural scenes, evoke a deep sense of nostalgia and romanticism. His meticulous technique and ability to capture mood through fine lines and shading earned him a place in the Royal Academy and the Royal Society of Painter-Etchers.

Later in life, he settled in Chipping Campden, where he dedicated himself to preserving traditional English architecture. His etchings remain celebrated for their poetic detail and craftsmanship. Griggs passed away in 1938, leaving behind a legacy as one of Britain’s finest etchers.

This lithograph of an etching he completed of Lady Margaret Hall depicts the entrance of the college. His attention to detail is clear as he captures the minutiae of the college’s masonry, surrounding the circular window on the façade, for example. He also captures the unique atmosphere of the early 19th century, depicting two well-dressed women walking down the street. As one of the more modern Oxford colleges, founded in 1878 as one of the first two lady’s colleges, Lady Margaret Hall it is rare for Lady Margaret Hall to be depicted by such distinguished artists, making this lithograph a unique find.

Condition: Generally very good.

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