Cyril Edward Power, (British, 1872-1951)

The Tube Station

The Tube Station (Coppel CP 32)
Linocut printed in yellow ochre, spectrum red, permanent blue, viridian and Chinese blue, circa 1932, on buff oriental laid tissue, signed, titled and numbered 15/60 in pencil, with wide margins, in very good condition

Block 258 x 295mm. (10 1/8 x 11 3/4in.); Sheet 321 x 348mm. (12 5/8 x 13 5/8in.)

The Underground was a powerful symbol of the new industrial age and for Power it was a source for several images which exemplified the spirit of technological innovation and design. This image was based on Bank tube station and Power used the sweeping arc of the platform and bold colours to convey a sense of movement and drama.
In printing the linocuts by hand, the artist could vary the density of colour for the desired effect. In this image, Power specified that the red block should be printed heavily on the train doors and platform indicators, thus drawing the viewer's eye along the curve and into the picture, allowing them to feel the sensation the train rushing into the station.