John Hassall RI RMS 1868-1948. British School early 20th.Century Pen and ink study of "Nipper" the trademark dog of The HMV gramophone company, wearing a gramophone horn on his head, tied with a ribbon and tag. possibly an original design for a promotional greetings card, Circa.1910. Pen and ink on card some slight timestaining to no real detriment. Signed lower right. 21.2 by 16.2 cms.
John Hassall was one of the key members of the London Sketch Club, a pupil of Charles Van Havermaet, Bouguereau and Ferrier he was greatly influenced by the poster artist Alphonse Mucha. Hassall's characteristic style of flat coloured planes and black outlines is the epitome of early 20th.Century graphic style. Enjoying considerable success, he became known as the King of the Poster Artists, opening his own school of Poster design in 1900 numbering HM Bateman and Harry Rountree among his students.
Nipper the dog, known as the trademark of HMV was first painted by his owner Francis Barraud, the terrier shown listening intently to a phonograph. Entitled "His Masters Voice" The painting and the title were sold to The Gramophone Company and in 1909 they began to use the image on their records and promotional materials. The image is still in use today.