Artist
Born in Hackney, United Kingdom
Early Life and Education
Born: Hackney, United Kingdom, December 27, 1901
Family Background: Son of painter William Harry Hayter.
Education: Received a degree in chemistry and geology from King’s College London.
Early Career: Worked for the Anglo-Persian Oil Company (later BP) in Abadan, Iran, from 1922 to 1925. This experience inspired paintings and drawings that were exhibited upon his return to London.
The Founding of Atelier 17 and Printmaking Innovations
Move to Paris: In 1926, Hayter moved to Paris and briefly studied at the Académie Julian.
Mentorship: Met Polish printmaker Józef Hecht, who introduced him to copper engraving using the burin technique.
Establishment of Atelier 17 (1927): Founded a studio for artists to explore engraving techniques collaboratively. The studio became internationally renowned and was located at No. 17, rue Campagne-Première.
Viscosity Printing: Developed the innovative technique of viscosity printing, which utilizes varying ink viscosities to create multi-colored intaglio prints on a single plate. This significantly expanded the possibilities of printmaking.
Collaborations with Major Artists: Atelier 17 became a hub for artistic collaboration, hosting artists such as Pablo Picasso, Alberto Giacometti, Joan Miró, Alexander Calder, Marc Chagall, Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, Mauricio Lasansky, K.R.H. Sonderborg, and Flora Blanc.
Support for Republican Cause: Hayter organized print editions (fraternité and solidarité) with Miró, Picasso, and Kandinsky to raise funds for the Spanish Republic during the Spanish Civil War.
World War II and Post-War Developments
Relocation to New York: During World War II, Hayter moved Atelier 17 to New York City and taught printmaking at The New School.
Camouflage Training Unit: Collaborated with British artist Roland Penrose and others in setting up a camouflage training unit.
Return to Paris (1950): Re-established Atelier 17 in Paris.
Publications: Published New Ways of Gravure (1949) and About Prints (1962), documenting his printmaking techniques and philosophy.
Artistic Style, Influences, and Legacy
Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism: Hayter’s work was associated with Surrealism in the 1930s and later with Abstract Expressionism. He embraced automatism and explored improvisation in his art.
Painting Alongside Printmaking: Maintained a consistent painting practice alongside his printmaking, demonstrating flexibility across various media (painting, drawing, engraving, collage, low relief).
Opposition to Traditional Techniques: Advocated for a vigorous opposition to preparatory drawings and retroussage (hand-wiping with whiting) in printmaking, endorsing strong plate tone and improvisation.
Influence on American Printmaking Education: His approach significantly influenced the instruction of printmaking within the American academy.
Prolific Output: Completed over 400 works in printmaking before his death.
Later Life and Death
Marriages: Married three times: to Edith Fletcher (dissolved 1929), Helen Phillips (dissolved 1971), and Désirée Moorhead.
Children: Had three sons: Patrick, Augy, and Julian.
Death: Died on May 4, 1988, in Paris.
Archive Acquisition: In 2005, the Tate Archive acquired Hayter’s papers.
