Al Heighton – Queensberry Rules – Original Signed Limited Edition Screenprint – 4/50

Artist: Al Heighton
Title: Queensberry Rules
Sheet Size: 51.2 × 76.8 cm
Medium: Original Screenprint
Edition: Limited Edition of 50
Edition Number: 4/50
Condition: Fine
Signature: Signed and numbered in pencil by the artist
Subject: Contemporary British Art, Boxing, Sporting Art, Illustration, Pop Art, Surrealism, Humorous Art
Gallery: Hornseys Gallery, Ripon, North Yorkshire

Description

Queensberry Rules is an original limited edition screenprint by the British artist and illustrator Al Heighton, whose distinctive work combines imaginative storytelling, bold graphic design, playful characterisation and an unmistakable sense of humour.

Depicting two boxers engaged in an unconventional contest beneath the branches of stylised trees, the composition transforms the traditions of the boxing ring into an entertaining and wonderfully eccentric woodland spectacle. The central fighters are surrounded by an assortment of spectators, some standing on the ground and others perched precariously among the branches, while birds, hares and delicate vegetation animate the foreground.

Rendered in a carefully controlled palette of lime green, yellow, pale grey and black against a predominantly white background, the image demonstrates Heighton’s characteristic ability to create complex and engaging visual narratives through relatively simple graphic elements.

Sporting Art, Humour and the British Illustration Tradition

Sport has long provided artists and illustrators with a rich source of inspiration.

The distinctive gestures, clothing, personalities and rituals associated with individual sports offer considerable opportunities for both serious observation and humorous interpretation.

Boxing, in particular, has an extensive visual history, from eighteenth- and nineteenth-century sporting prints to modern depictions of celebrated fighters and championship contests.

In Queensberry Rules, Heighton approaches the subject from an entirely different perspective. Rather than depicting a famous boxer or historic bout, he creates an imaginary sporting encounter populated by eccentric characters and unexpected spectators. The central fighters are immediately recognisable through their poses and gestures, but the surrounding landscape transforms the contest into a theatrical performance. The spectators’ exaggerated positions and casual disregard for conventional seating arrangements introduce a playful commentary on the enthusiasm and excitement of sporting audiences. The inclusion of woodland animals further removes the scene from the familiar world of boxing, creating an image that is both recognisable and delightfully absurd.

This combination of sporting observation, decorative illustration and gentle satire is characteristic of Heighton’s artistic approach.

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 imaginative storytelling, expressive figures, distinctive colour combinations and a playful approach to familiar subjects. Heighton has produced illustrations 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. Sport has provided a particularly rich source of inspiration, with Heighton exploring the personalities, customs and traditions associated with different sporting activities.

His independent printmaking demonstrates the close relationship between contemporary illustration and fine art, combining the accessibility of graphic imagery with the craftsmanship of original printmaking.

Al Heighton and Hornseys Gallery

Hornseys Gallery has an established association with Al Heighton and has previously hosted a solo exhibition of his work, The Sporting Almanac of Al Heighton, at our gallery in Ripon, North Yorkshire. The exhibition explored Heighton’s distinctive approach to sporting subjects, combining his enthusiasm for sport with his characteristic humour and imaginative visual storytelling. Our experience of exhibiting his work provides a direct connection with the artist and an appreciation of his contribution to contemporary British illustration and original printmaking.

We continue to stock a selection of Al Heighton’s original screenprints, including signed and numbered limited editions.

Condition

In fine condition. Signed and numbered 4/50 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 ou 14-day unconditional returns policy, provided items are returned in the condition in which they were supplied.