Catalogue entry · Lot 0023
Alan Stammers’ Jim Clark, ‘Anniversary 1968-2018’: Clark and the Lotus 33 at Monaco in pencil, signed and numbered 2 of 250.
Background
Jim Clark was the benchmark of his era: World Champion in 1963 and 1965, winner of the Indianapolis 500 in 1965, and the driver most of his rivals regarded as simply the best. He was killed in a Formula Two race at Hockenheim in April 1968, and the sport has measured itself against his memory ever since.
Alan Stammers’ personal tribute, ‘Anniversary 1968-2018’, drawn to mark 50 years since Clark’s death in 1968. It shows Clark in the Climax-engined Lotus 33 at Monaco, wearing #4. Number 2 of 250, signed and numbered by the artist.
The artist
Alan Stammers grew up on a farm bordering Snetterton Circuit in Norfolk, taught himself to draw, and has worked as a full time motor sport artist since the late 1980s. He works exclusively in pencil, now from his studio in East Harling, and his drawings have been endorsed by many of the sport’s greatest names. Since 1988 much of his best known work has been published through Peter Ratcliffe’s Legends in Time, alongside a range of signed and numbered prints sold directly by the artist.
The lot
The sheet is captioned Jim Clark OBE, 1968 Anniversary 2018. Stammers draws the Lotus 33 almost head on, number 4 on the nose, Clark in his goggles and peaked helmet, the deep shine of the bodywork built up in layer upon layer of graphite. The artist’s signature is at lower left, and the edition number, 2 of 250, is written by hand at lower right above the printed words Print Number.
This is one of the smaller format sheets from the group the seller bought directly from Alan Stammers, approximately 18 by 12.5 inches. It is offered unframed.
Condition
No marks or damage. Stored flat and out of sunlight.
Provenance notes (the honest bit)
Acquired by the seller directly from the artist. Signed by Alan Stammers. No signature by Clark is claimed.
This lot is offered under Opening Stint’s Premium Catalog seller attestation: the seller has confirmed in writing that the account given to us is true, and a summarised copy of that attestation goes with the item to the buyer.
Summary
An anniversary drawing of Clark and the Lotus 33 at Monaco, from a low number in the edition, by the Norfolk artist who has spent forty years drawing the drivers Clark’s generation inspired.
It will not lead from the second lap. It will, however, hold its own on any wall that already has a Lotus on it.
Collection and delivery
Located in Worthing, West Sussex. Available for collection, or the buyer may arrange shipping directly with the seller.