Charles Blackman has a penchant for storytelling. His work pivots around narrative, recounting the tales that pass through generations in his own distinct voice. The rare and original etching ‘Hickory Dickory Dock’ is an example of this, taking its subject from the eponymous nursery rhyme.

A rhyme about telling time, Blackman retells Hickory Dickory Dock with an air of mystery. A mouse scuttles up the clock’s facade, transfigured into a face replete with an eye, ear, lips and a hand. It is a surrealist vessel, an anthropomorphisation of time and its relentless tick forth.

From Blackman’s revered Mother Goose Suite and printed with master printer Satish Sharma at Well House Press Studio, Hickory Dickory Dock’ is a collectable find with an impression represented in the collection of the National Gallery of Australia. Elegant, intriguing and timeless, it will stay with you long after the rhyme ends.

Charles BLACKMAN (1928 - 2018)
'Hickory Dickory Dock' 1977
Etching and aquatint on paper
Edition of 20
Image Size: 51 x 40 cm
Dimensions: 70 x 60 cm
Signed: Signed Charles Blackman in margin
Comes with Letter of Provenance.

Represented in the collection of the National Gallery of Australia. Accession no.: 78.1471. 

Condition: Very Good: Describes a work of art's image as Excellent, but may show some small signs of surrounding wear to paper or frame. There are no tears to paper margin or disruption to the paint surface.

(c) Charles Blackman / Copyright Agency