BUONO DI STAMPA: Prints from the Archive of Stamperia 2RC

The Stamperia d’Arte 2RC was founded in 1959 as a joint venture between Valter and Eleonora Rossi and Eleonora’s cousin Francesco Cioppi. Whilst it is easy to consider the success of Stamperia d’Arte 2RC as being a result of the large scale and capability of the printing presses, the reality is a different story. The jovial, amicable and loving means by which both Valter and Eleonora welcomed and entertained in their home and studios offered already established artists a brief pause from the increasingly celebrity-driven art world. These oases of calm were not restricted to Rome, but could be constructed in quickly adapted guesthouses, barns and former factory spaces. Flexibility alone would not be enough and so the key component in creating such a creative atmosphere was in fact the presence of either Valter or Eleonora.

Responding to the new markets and changing landscape of Post-War Europe, the family took the bold decision to open a studio in New York. A love of teaching, practicality and above all the creation of beautiful things led to lifelong friendships with many of the artists whose work is offered within this sale.

The monumentality of the many of the prints is unsurprisingly the most instantly recognisable trait of Stamperia d’Arte 2RC artworks. However, under closer inspection the true brilliance of this family of printmakers can be discovered. A mastery of medium, whether etching, aquatint or even embossed reliefs reveal the artists’ need for collaboration, if only to fully realise the artistic vision in what was for many artist’s a new foray into graphic works. Overcoming technical challenges and with the inventiveness of modern day alchemists, the Rossis elevated the status of printmaking; enabling it to join the ranks of contemporary media through their ability to blur the accepted divisions between two-dimensional and three-dimensional surfaces. The works published by Stamperia d’Arte 2RC demonstrate an absolute understanding of paper, press and colouring, on many occasions pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved by printmaking. This is particularly evident in the numerous collaborations with artists traditionally regarded as sculptors.

The evolution of the company can be traced from the origins of Stamperia d’Arte to 2RC Editrice in Rome to 2RC Edizioni d’Arte with global studios. As has always been the case, the business continues to respond to the new artistic visions and emerging talents, with the development of new printmaking studios in China and the inauguration of a new International Centre of Printmaking, in Viareggio.

This collection is comprised of Bon à tirer impressions, which were created in close collaboration between the artist and the printer. They provided the templates for the subsequent printing of the editions. The international backgrounds and diverse working practices of the artists are apparent in the variations of the phrase Bon à tirer (‘good to pull’), ranging from a simple OK or buono di stampa to an emphatic ¡Aurrera!. These inscriptions offer an invaluable insight into the workings of the Stamperia d’Arte and indeed the relationship between the artists and the Rossis.