Invitation from Phil May to a Private View of his Drawings at the Fine Art Society, 148 New Bond Street

Art Historical Context

Step into the lively world of late Victorian London with Phil May's *Invitation from Phil May to Private View of his Drawings the Fine Art Society,148 New Bond Street* (1895). This lithograph, measuring just 4 7/8 × 6 9/16 inches, served as a personal summons from the artist himself to an exclusive preview of his latest works at the prestigious Fine Art Society gallery on New Bond Street. Phil May a celebrated British caricaturist (1864–1903), was at the height of his fame, known for his sharp, humorous sketches capturing the grit and glamour of everyday urban life. May's style—witty, economical, and full of character—shone in periodicals like *Punch* and his own *Phil May's Annual*. This invitation exemplifies his flair for self-promotion, blending artistry with promotion in a compact print. Lithography, the medium here, was ideal for such ephemera: its greasy crayon technique allowed fluid lines and subtle tones, perfect for reproducing intricate details affordably for distribution to London's art elite. Housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (Rogers Fund, 1966), this piece offers a glimpse into the bustling art scene of 1890s Britain, where illustrators like May bridged high art and popular culture, inviting us all to the party.