This authentic 1980 mixed-media work is an investment-grade piece of Royal College of Art (RCA) history by British artist and designer Ralph Ball. Created during the landmark year Ball completed his MA at the RCA's South Kensington campus, this original "Working Drawing" serves as a structural blueprint for the rigorous geometric abstraction that defined the 1980s London "New Design" movement. Professionally housed in a modernist light natural wood gallery frame, this piece combines fine art pedigree with outstanding provenance.
RCA South Kensington Provenance: Executed during the artist's pivotal graduation year at the prestigious Royal College of Art, London SW7.
Hand-Signed & Inscribed: Boldly signed and dated on the front, with full original handwritten location and artwork details on the reverse.
Architectural Mixed-Media Technique: Built with multi-layered, heavy textured charcoal hatching, structural graphite pencil grids, and vibrant crimson/grey pastel blocks.
Gallery Framed & Sealed: Encased in a sleek, minimalist light natural wood modernist frame ready for immediate display or collection inclusion.
Historic Inventory Markings: Features historical gallery/auction tracking tabs on the frame backplate, confirming institutional heritage.
| Attribute | Details |
| Artist | Ralph Ball |
| Institution / Movement | Royal College of Art (RCA) / 1980s London "New Design" |
| Date of Creation | 1980 |
| Title / Inscription | “RALPH BALL, RCA 1980 OLD BROMPTON RD, LONDON SW7, No. 3, WORKING DRAWING FOR PAINTING” |
| Medium | Multi-Layered Mixed Media (Charcoal, Graphite Pencil, Crimson & Grey Pastel) |
| Signature | Hand-signed and dated "Ralph Ball '80" (Lower Right Face) |
| Frame | Minimalist Light Natural Wood Gallery Frame with Protective Glazing |
| Provenance / Tags | Auction/Exhibition Inventory Tab No. 247 on reverse |
Artwork Condition: Museum quality. Pigments remain vibrant, saturated, and completely un-faded. The paper support rests perfectly flat, and the mixed-media surface is entirely stable with no chalk transfer, smudging, or degradation.
Frame Condition: Flawless. Clean natural wood grain edge joins and pristine glass/glazing with no chips, cracks, or loose fittings. Sealed tight on the reverse while preserving original inscriptions and inventory labels.
1 x Original Ralph Ball (1980) Signed Mixed-Media Working Drawing Artwork
1 x Minimalist Light Natural Wood Gallery Frame (Glazed & Sealed)
Investment Potential: Ideal for collectors of modern British art, 1980s post-modern architectural studies, and alumni works from the Royal College of Art.