Vintage 1970 Gallery Five “Toytown” Lithographic Print England Framed

This is a colourful vintage Gallery Five “Toytown” lithographic print, printed in England and dating approximately to 1970.

The elaborate design presents a fanciful imaginary world filled with children, animals and brightly coloured forms against a predominantly black background. A large rainbow arches across the centre above an enormous stylized flower, surrounded by figures including children, a clown, a cat-like bird, a sailing ship, flowers and a large smiling sun.

The lower edge is printed:

© GALLERY FIVE Q14/IH Toytown printed in England

The image was commercially produced using a four-colour lithographic printing process, with the characteristic halftone dot pattern visible under close examination.

Gallery Five was a British design company established around 1960 and co-founded by Polish-born British illustrator Jan Pieńkowski (1936–2022). Pieńkowski designed posters, cards and other graphic material for Gallery Five before becoming particularly well known for his children's book illustration and design.

Gallery Five also published work by other artists and designers. Although Toytown dates from the period when Pieńkowski was closely associated with the company, the printed inscription does not identify the designer, and I have not located a documented example that specifically attributes Q14/IH Toytown to Pieńkowski. The designer is therefore listed as unidentified.

The print is presented in its original yellow-painted wooden frame. The reverse retains an old framing label from Van Horne Glass & Mirror Inc., 1335 Van Horne Ave. W., Montreal.

Display area: 16 3/4" × 19".
Overall framed size: 18 1/4" × 20 1/4".
Title: Toytown.
Publisher: Gallery Five.
Reference: Q14/IH.
Designer: Unidentified.
Printing process: Four-colour lithographic process.
Origin: Printed in England.
Date: Circa 1970.

Condition: The print is in good condition with noticeable surface cracks or scratches, most, but not all, occurring in the black areas. The yellow-painted wooden frame has a couple of paint chips. The paper backing on the reverse is torn and deteriorated around the edges. Please examine the photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.

An uncommon surviving Gallery Five Toytown print, reference Q14/IH. I have been unable to locate another example in my research. It is being sold in “as found” condition, with the surface wear reflected in the description and photographs; its apparent scarcity should also be considered when assessing its condition.

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Vintage c1970 Gallery Five “Toytown” four-colour lithographic print, Q14/IH, printed in England and presented in its original yellow wooden frame.