The Big-Head Man
Preserving the artistry of stone lithography.
The story behind The Big-Head Man
The story behind The Big-Head Man begins with Lawrence Gleadle, a talented lithographic artist immersed in the vibrant printing trade of the 1920s and 30s. Lawrence's passion for the art form was evident in every stroke of his work, creating vivid and captivating posters that adorned the walls of cinemas, theatres, and advertisement displays. Through meticulous attention to detail and anatomical accuracy, the artist brought to life a compelling visual narrative that explores the depth and diversity of facial features and organic movement. He was the most skilled artist specialising in the portraits of the stars and advertising figures resulting in him being called The Big-Head Man.
The Big-Head Man
You are invited on a unique journey into the world of lithographic art.
Artistic Process
In the world of stone lithography from the 1920s, artists embarked on a captivating journey of creativity and craftsmanship. Picture an artist, armed with special crayons and inks, sketching their vision onto a smooth limestone canvas—a process akin to laying down the blueprint for a magnificent masterpiece. With unwavering devotion to the creative process, these artisans delicately etched the soul of their artwork onto the stone, understanding the nuanced correspondence between materials and imagination. Each stroke told a story, and the drawing transformed into a blueprint ready for the next act of inking and pressing, turning the artist's vision into a vibrant, alluring lithograph awaiting presentation in cinema posters and advertising displays.
A Timeline
Popularisation (Early 19th Century): Lithography gained popularity in the early 19th century as a versatile and efficient printing method.
Chromolithography (Mid-19th to Early 20th Century): Chromolithography, a colour lithographic process, gained prominence in the mid-19th century. It allowed for the mass production of colour images, making art and illustrations more accessible to a broader audience.
Art Nouveau and Poster Art (Late 19th to Early 20th Century): The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the use of lithography in the Art Nouveau movement and the creation of iconic posters.
War and Decline (Mid-20th Century): With the advent of new printing technologies, traditional stone lithography declined in the mid-20th century.
Stafford's
At Stafford's, the largest specialist poster company in England with 800 staff, Lawrence's apprenticeship papers reveal a five-year journey. The creation of posters in the 1920s and 30s demanded a spectrum of artistic skills. While five years might seem lengthy for an apprenticeship, it was an indispensable period, not solely for acquiring these diverse skills but for instilling the confidence earned through extensive training and practice. Lawrence mastered an array of skills essential to the craft, shaping him into a versatile artist. The essential ability to draw the design flawlessly on the first attempt shows Lawrence's artistic dexterity. As 'The Big Head Man,' he navigated this artistic realm with a blend of precision and experience.
A Love Story
70 years together
Beyond the canvas of posters and the hum of printing machines at Stafford's, there unfolded a captivating love story that became an inseparable part of Lawrence's artistic journey. Three years into his apprenticeship, the enchanting Ivy Froggat, a fifteen-year-old at the time, entered the world of Stafford's life as a copygirl.
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