Edmund Blampied, R.E. British. 1886-1966.

The Vraic Season (No 1). 1936. Etching. Appleby 181. 12 x 14 1/4 (sheet 15 1/4 x 20). Edition 125 for The American College Society of Print Collectors (alternatively titled Seaweed Harvest.. Signed in ink. $900.

Vraic is a seaweed found in the Channel Islands. The main use of vraic is for spreading over potato fields during the winter. It is then ploughed into the soil before the potatoes are planted in late winter and spring. Vraic was traditionally gathered by horse and cart in Grouville Bay and St Ouen's Bay, and in smaller quantities at Le Hocq and Havre des Pas. The practice continues using tractors and trailers, although the quantity taken has diminished over the years.

The American College Society of Print Collectors was a national organization that helped to rekindle the interest in prints and printmaking across America in the early 1930's. It's was based in the Department of Fine Arts at Ohio State University. It sought commissions from artists such as John Sloan, Rockwell Kent, Kerr Eby, and others for the creation and distribution of a limited edition of prints to individual members of the society, mostly academics, and Universities and libraries. The standard edition was about 125 dictated by the number of members. Upon completion of a print series, the block, plate, stone, etc. would be ‘cancelled’ and furnished to the society.

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Edmund Blampied.

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