Al Heighton – Le Tour – Original Signed Limited Edition Screenprint – 16/50

Artist: Al Heighton
Title: Le Tour
Size: 51.4 × 76.5 cm
Medium: Original Screenprint
Edition: Limited Edition of 50
Edition Number: 16/50
Condition: Fine
Signature: Signed and numbered in pencil by the artist
Subject: Contemporary British Art, Cycling Art, Tour de France, Sporting Illustration, Original Prints
Gallery: Hornseys Gallery, Ripon, North Yorkshire

Description

Le Tour is a wonderfully imaginative original screenprint by the British artist and illustrator Al Heighton, celebrating the colour, excitement and eccentricity of the Tour de France, the world’s most famous cycle race. Featuring racing cyclists, exuberant spectators, colourful jerseys and a host of wonderfully eccentric characters, the composition captures the unique atmosphere of one of international sport’s most celebrated events. Rendered in a striking palette of lime green, blue, yellow, red and black against a predominantly white background, the image demonstrates Heighton’s characteristic combination of bold graphic design, expressive figures and playful visual storytelling. The screenprint is signed and numbered 16/50 in pencil by the artist, forming part of a limited edition of just fifty impressions. Measuring 51.4 × 76.5 cm, Le Tour is an appealing example of contemporary British sporting art, combining the visual immediacy of illustration with the craftsmanship of original screenprinting.

The Tour de France and Its Spectators

One of the most distinctive aspects of the Tour de France is the extraordinary enthusiasm of its roadside spectators. From mountain passes to rural villages and city streets, crowds gather to encourage the riders, often dressed in elaborate costumes or carrying flags, banners and other colourful accessories. This atmosphere provides Heighton with an ideal subject.

His illustration captures the sense of carnival that accompanies the race, transforming the roadside crowd into a wonderfully eccentric collection of characters. The figures are deliberately exaggerated, with elongated limbs, simplified facial features and theatrical gestures. Their poses create a lively sense of movement, while the contrasting colours of their clothing establish a strong visual rhythm. The inclusion of the devil figure is particularly appropriate. Didi Senft, the German cycling enthusiast popularly known as the Tour de France Devil, became internationally recognised for appearing beside the race route wearing a red devil costume and carrying a trident. His presence became one of the event’s most familiar and entertaining traditions.

About Al Heighton

Al Heighton is a British illustrator, artist and printmaker based in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. He studied Graphic Design at the University of Salford, graduating in 2001 with a First Class Honours degree, before establishing a professional career in illustration. His work is characterised by confident line drawing, bold areas of colour, eccentric characters and an imaginative approach to visual storytelling.

Heighton’s illustrations frequently draw upon everyday life, popular culture, sport and human relationships, transforming familiar situations into humorous and sometimes surreal compositions. His artistic style incorporates elements of cartooning, graphic design and decorative illustration, creating images that are both contemporary and immediately recognisable. Heighton has produced work for a wide range of editorial, publishing, commercial and cultural clients, including The Guardian, the Financial Times, Random House, Marks & Spencer, Pentagram and Arctic Monkeys. Alongside his professional illustration, he produces original screenprints that allow his individual artistic imagination to develop beyond the requirements of commercial commissions.

Condition

In fine condition. Signed and numbered 16/50 in pencil by the artist. Please examine the accompanying photograph, which shows the actual print offered for sale.

Why Buy from Hornseys?

Established in 1976, Hornseys is an independent specialist gallery and bookseller based in the historic cathedral city of Ripon, North Yorkshire.

For fifty years, we have specialised in carefully selected original artwork, limited edition prints, illustrated books and collectible works by established and distinctive artists.

Our association with Al Heighton includes hosting a solo exhibition of his work, and we are pleased to continue offering his original screenprints to collectors throughout the United Kingdom and internationally.

Every artwork is individually examined and described, with particular attention paid to its medium, signature, edition details and condition.

Our photographs show the actual artwork offered for sale, allowing customers to examine its appearance before purchasing.

We offer free tracked and insured UK delivery, with artworks carefully packaged to ensure their safe arrival. International delivery is also available.

All purchases are covered by our 14-day unconditional returns policy, provided items are returned in the condition in which they were supplied.