Art Deco North Street Arcade by Ben Cowser

Description

This print from architect and artist Ben Cowser is a reproduction of the original artwork of the Art Deco North Street Arcade.

Ben Cowser was born in 1897 in Kilkeel and after education at Royal Belfast Academical Institution and training with Belfast architect Thomas Houston, Cowser worked briefly with Tulloch and Fitzsimons in Belfast.  Cowser returned to Houston where notably he collaborated with John MacGeagh on a competition-winning design, Enniskillen Masonic Hall, Co Fermanagh, in 1930 and their drawings were exhibited at the Royal Academy in London in 1933.

Cowser set up his own practice in 1933 on Donegall Square North, Belfast, and went on to win the design competition for Portstewart Town Hall.  In addition to the North Street Arcade, Portstewart Town Hall, the Masonic Hall at Enniskillen and the Vogue Cinema in Kilkeel have all been statutorily listed by the Department for Communities in recognition of their architectural value.

These reproductions are Giclée print on German Etching 310gsm paper.  This heavy-weight etching paper has a matt, velvety surface with the warm white of a traditional artists paper.  This genuine mould-made paper is the choice for sophisticated original prints.  It is archive grade paper and printed with archival inks.

RSUA received the donation of two Ben Cowser art works in a bequest from Dame Ingrid Allen, this depiction of the Art Deco North Street Arcade in Belfast and another of of Portstewart Town Hall.

A3 and A4 versions have already been mounted and are ready for framing.