The Wonderful 'Harvest' by Walter Henry Williams (American, 1920–1998)
This remarkable work is a colour woodcut Artist Proof, titled Harvest by the acclaimed African American artist Walter Henry Williams. The piece is signed lower right, titled, and dated 1963 in the margin (as pictured). It comes from the original full edition of 210, with 10 Artist Proofs reserved by Williams—making this a highly sought-after and rare piece.
The colouring is exquisite, featuring rich gold and yellow hues contrasted with bold black details. Williams was celebrated for depicting Black children playing in fields of flowers, an homage to his own restricted childhood and his lifelong pursuit of freedom—a theme that inspired his extensive travels.
This Artist Proof was acquired directly from the artist in the 1960s and remained in the same Edinburgh family collection until recently. A rare opportunity to own an original signed art print from one of America’s most respected 20th-century artists.

Artwork Details

 	

Medium: Colour Woodcut

 	

Edition: Artist Proof (from an edition of 210)

 	

Date: 1963

 	

Dimensions: 51 cm (H) x 82 cm (W)

 	

Condition: Professionally reframed in a sleek black frame under non-reflective glass. Excellent condition and ready to hang.


About the Artist
Walter Henry Williams (1920–1998) was an influential African American painter, printmaker, and ceramicist. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he studied at the Brooklyn Museum Art School from 1951 to 1955. Williams’ work reflects themes of nature, childhood, and freedom, inspired by his own life experiences.
His works are held in prestigious collections, including:


 	

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

 	

The Whitney Museum of American Art, New York

 	

The Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C.

 	

Philadelphia Museum of Art

 	

Georgia Museum of Art


Williams passed away in Copenhagen in 1988, leaving behind a celebrated legacy in American art.