A Retrospect Of Churches

John Piper's A Retrospect of Churches (1964) print portfolio captures the essence of historic churches in John Piper's colourful and richly textural style, highlighting their architectural grandeur and spiritual significance. Selecting old churches from across the British Isles, Piper delves into the rich history and beauty of these sacred spaces.

John Piper prints for sale

Warkton, Northamptonshire: Monument By Vangelder - Signed Print by John Piper 1964 - MyArtBroker
Warkton, Northamptonshire: Monument By Vangelder 
John PiperSigned Print 

£1,200-£1,800 VALUE (EST.)

$2,300-$3,400 VALUE (EST.)

$2,000-$2,950 VALUE (EST.)

¥10,500-¥16,000 VALUE (EST.)

1,400-2,100 VALUE (EST.)

$11,500-$17,000 VALUE (EST.)

¥220,000-¥330,000 VALUE (EST.)

$1,450-$2,200 VALUE (EST.)

100% AAGR (5YR)
Lewknor, Oxfordshire: Textured Walls, Traceried Windows - Signed Print by John Piper 1964 - MyArtBroker
Lewknor, Oxfordshire: Textured Walls, Traceried Windows 
John PiperSigned Print 

£1,300-£1,900 VALUE (EST.)

$2,450-$3,600 VALUE (EST.)

$2,150-$3,150 VALUE (EST.)

¥11,500-¥17,000 VALUE (EST.)

1,500-2,200 VALUE (EST.)

$12,500-$18,000 VALUE (EST.)

¥240,000-¥350,000 VALUE (EST.)

$1,600-$2,300 VALUE (EST.)

18% AAGR (5YR)
Christ Church, Spitalfields, London - Signed Print by John Piper 1964 - MyArtBroker
Christ Church, Spitalfields, London 
John PiperSigned Print 

£3,100-£4,650 VALUE (EST.)

$6,000-$9,000 VALUE (EST.)

$5,000-$7,500 VALUE (EST.)

¥28,000-¥40,000 VALUE (EST.)

3,600-5,500 VALUE (EST.)

$30,000-$45,000 VALUE (EST.)

¥570,000-¥850,000 VALUE (EST.)

$3,800-$5,500 VALUE (EST.)

123% AAGR (5YR)
Tickencote, Rutland: The Norman Chancel Arch - Signed Print by John Piper 1964 - MyArtBroker
Tickencote, Rutland: The Norman Chancel Arch 
John PiperSigned Print 

£1,300-£1,900 VALUE (EST.)

$2,450-$3,600 VALUE (EST.)

$2,150-$3,150 VALUE (EST.)

¥11,500-¥17,000 VALUE (EST.)

1,500-2,200 VALUE (EST.)

$12,500-$18,000 VALUE (EST.)

¥240,000-¥350,000 VALUE (EST.)

$1,600-$2,300 VALUE (EST.)

100% AAGR (5YR)
St Nicholas, Liverpool: Smoke-Black Dockland Church - Signed Print by John Piper 1964 - MyArtBroker
St Nicholas, Liverpool: Smoke-Black Dockland Church 
John PiperSigned Print 

£1,200-£1,800 VALUE (EST.)

$2,300-$3,400 VALUE (EST.)

$2,000-$2,950 VALUE (EST.)

¥10,500-¥16,000 VALUE (EST.)

1,400-2,100 VALUE (EST.)

$11,500-$17,000 VALUE (EST.)

¥220,000-¥330,000 VALUE (EST.)

$1,450-$2,200 VALUE (EST.)

Inglesham, Wiltshire: A Rustic Medieval Interior - Signed Print by John Piper 1964 - MyArtBroker
Inglesham, Wiltshire: A Rustic Medieval Interior 
John PiperSigned Print 

£1,300-£1,950 VALUE (EST.)

$2,450-$3,700 VALUE (EST.)

$2,150-$3,200 VALUE (EST.)

¥11,500-¥17,000 VALUE (EST.)

1,500-2,250 VALUE (EST.)

$12,500-$19,000 VALUE (EST.)

¥240,000-¥360,000 VALUE (EST.)

$1,600-$2,400 VALUE (EST.)

8% AAGR (5YR)
Gaddesby, Leicestershire: Medieval Stonework - Signed Print by John Piper 1964 - MyArtBroker
Gaddesby, Leicestershire: Medieval Stonework 
John PiperSigned Print 

£400-£600 VALUE (EST.)

$750-$1,150 VALUE (EST.)

$650-$1,000 VALUE (EST.)

¥3,550-¥5,500 VALUE (EST.)

450-700 VALUE (EST.)

$3,800-$5,500 VALUE (EST.)

¥70,000-¥110,000 VALUE (EST.)

$500-$750 VALUE (EST.)

-12% AAGR (5YR)

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Meaning & Analysis

A Retrospect Of Churches is a print portfolio comprising 24 original lithographs by John Piper, released in an edition of 75 in 1964, that explores his fascination with ecclesiastical architecture.

The portfolio showcases Piper's distinctive style, which combines bold shapes and vibrant colours to capture the essence of these religious structures. Through a series of prints, Piper takes the viewer on a journey through various churches, highlighting their unique features and capturing the spiritual ambience within. While also demonstrating his mastery of composition and perspective, Piper using different angles and viewpoints to emphasise the grandeur and intricacy of the churches. In the print Leckhampstead, Berkshire: A Victorian Church By S.S. Teulor, for example, Piper chooses an abstract composition - areas of rectangular relief and red block colour amid a textural black field - to reflect the blocky architecture of the church, which is built in vas hunks of local stone. As in this print, Piper's use of contrasting colours and strong line-work or block colour throughout adds a dimensional quality to the prints, creating a sense of space within the static medium.

Piper's choice of subject matter is significant within his oeuvre. By focusing on churches, he not only showcases their architectural beauty but also invites contemplation on their historical and cultural significance. Ecclesiastical architecture was a specialist interest of John Piper's; a writer of books, as well as a creator of art, titles by John Piper include a thesis on Stained Glass: Art or Anti-Art?

A Retrospect Of Churches highlights Piper's deep understanding of light and its transformative power. He skilfully captures the interplay of light and shadow, illuminating the architectural details and creating a sense of drama and atmosphere. This interplay between light and form adds depth and dimension to the prints, making them come alive with a sense of spirituality and reverence. Overall, this is a compelling print portfolio that showcases Piper's artistic brilliance and his ability to capture the essence of ecclesiastical architecture. Through his bold use of colour, composition, and light, Piper creates a series of lithographs that document the beauty of British churches and evoke a profound emotional and spiritual response from the viewer.

Notable Collections