Song Beneath the Stars reveals Ayres's poetic sensibility—her titles often paid homage to romantic or musical inspiration, though she maintained they were "like christenings" rather than literal descriptions of the work. Created during 2009-10, this print exemplifies the ambitious scale and technical innovation that characterised her later printmaking practice. The carborundum process, which involves mixing abrasive carborundum powder with PVA and painting it onto zinc plates, allowed Ayres to create deeply textured surfaces that hold ink in pools and ridges, producing a sculptural quality rarely achieved in printmaking. Hand-painted elements in acrylic transform each impression into a unique work, embodying her belief in improvisation and the spontaneous gesture. The composition’s interplay of deep blacks, radiant purples, golden yellows, and vibrant pinks demonstrates why Ayres became one of Britain’s most celebrated abstract painters.

The nocturnal palette and expansive composition of this artwork create a sense of contemplative grandeur, which will beautifully complement both contemporary and traditional spaces, offering the visual richness of Ayres’s paintings in a more accessible form. The archival paper and premium materials ensure museum-quality preservation standards. Its excellent condition reflects the artist’s meticulous standards and attention to detail.

Gillian Ayres RA (1930-2018) exhibited at major institutions including the National Museum of Wales, Jerwood Gallery, Royal Academy of Arts, and Serpentine Gallery. Her graphic works are held in prestigious collections worldwide, including the British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, and Museum of Modern Art, New York.

Contact Dellasposa to discuss private viewings and arrange a curatorial consultation.