The Fine Art Trade Guild embossed stamps
L.S. Lowry
R.B.A., R.A.
The old stamping machine, shown beneath, was used from 1847 until 1973 to place the embossed stamp
on Limited Editions which had been approved by the Stamping Committee, later known as the Approval Committee.
It was ensured that all unstamped copies of the edition were destroyed as well as the means of reproduction
so that no further copies could be made. There was a maximum edition size of 850 prints, though some editions
were smaller.
The electric machine that was used until recently to stamp Guild approved Limited Editions had three wheels.
On each there were ten letters "A" "E" "C" "D" "E" "F" "H" "J" "K" "L" (no "G" in order to avoid confusion with "J")
Before the electric machine, the prints were stamped manually, and the letters on the wheels changed
Sadly, the Fine Art Trade Guild have lost the records of which letters were used and during which period.
Below is the translation of the coding system into numerical equivalents.
An early Guild stamp 1847-1973
A more recent Guild stamp 1973-2003
We hope that you will browse and enjoy Paintings and signed prints by wildlife artist David Shepherd,here
Also the work of William Russell Flint whose paintings and signed prints are regsarded as some of the finest watercolours in the world.
Click here
Famous for his portraits of Cecilia, Flint's greastest works illustrate the architecture and landscape throughout rural France
This holiday house near Brantome, France is ideally situated to enjoy the Dordogne Readmore
The work of Mr L.S. Lowry has become of great artistic and financial importance of recent years.
A selection of his prints and paintings can be viewed here
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