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§ Gertrude Hermes, OBE, RA (British, 1901-1983) The Peat Cutters signed and dated 'Gertrude Hermes 1956' in pencil (lower left); titled and numbered 21/50 lino-cut 43 x 58cm (17 x 23in) Provenance: Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester, Purchased 'Pictures For Schools', 1957 A painter and sculptor, Gertrude Hermes began her artistic career at the Brook Green School of Painting and Sculpture, where other students included Henry Moore. Hermes exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy from 1934, was commissioned to produce works for the British Pavilion at the 1937 Paris World Fair, and showed at the Venice International Exhibition in 1939. Hermes is best known for her pantheistic prints and intricate woodcuts, which fluidly mirror the rhythms and symmetries of nature. Her most popular works at 'Pictures for Schools' often depicted animals, of which 'The Peat Cutters' (1956) and 'The Ram No. 2' (1958) are but two. A retrospective of her work was held at the Whitechapel Gallery in 1967, and Hermes's work can now be viewed at the Tate Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery. A rippling effect has resulted from the page not being stuck down, especially towards the top of the page. Slight discolouration along edges consistent with age. 

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