Frederick Roberts Johnson (1900-1986) was a highly successful illustrator, creating cartoons, caricatures, and other 'funnies' for publications such as Punch, Everyman, and Time and Tide, a weekly left-wing literary review magazine. He also designed advertisements for Lyons Tea Shops and illustrated dust jackets for various authors. Inspired by his admiration for the American Essex automobile, he adopted the pseudonyms 'Essex' or 'Sax.' Alarmed at the rise of Fascism, alongside Wragg, Fred became actively involved in the left-wing newspaper The Tribune, his political cartoons representing a considerable contribution to the early years of the publication.

I have acquired a collection of works by Arthur Wragg (1903-1976) and Frederick Roberts Johnson (1900-1986) from a studio sale featuring pieces by both artists. The two friends met while training as commercial artists and moved to Polperro together in 1924, where they settled at "The House on the Props". Frederick Roberts Johnson frequently travelled to London in search of commissions for both himself and Wragg. This listing is for a single artwork, as detailed below.

Graphite drawing on light grey laid paper. Unsigned. Reasonable/used condition, with age toning, light handling/creases/ripple to bottom edge, light foxing throughout, and other minor marks blemishes.

Paper measures 31cm x 47.5cm.

Paper will be posted in a tube.