Very rare complete suite of the Guinness lithographs from the First series of Guinness posters issued in 1956 (the Second in 1957). The growth of the limited edition print market is reflected in the appearance of more popular print ventures such as the Lyons series printed at the Baynard Press, and the Guinness series printed at Curwen, in which popular artists of the day took as their subject an aspect of the Guinness Book of Records. These lively prints were designed for display in pubs, bars and canteens. La Dell's print was Newmarket, and with others like Ardizzone's The Fattest Woman in the World, reflects the interest in working-class culture epitomised by John Osborne's 'Look Back in Anger' of 1956.' (Quoted in La Dell: [p. 25.])

The works are listed in Robin Garton & Co. British Printmakers 1855-1955, Garton & Co, 1992 which notes both series issued in 1956 and 1957, noting that 'Information about the first series is scant and Guinness's own records lack a full complement of the prints, although they do have the artwork for a number of them. The assumption has been made that there were six prints in the first series, because it is known that there were six in the second series. Identification of the first series is, therefore, based on works which have come to light.' The Tate gallery hold only 4 examples from the series of 6 in their collection, but do not possess the complete suite.

References: Pat Gilmour. Artists at Curwen: a celebration of the gift of artists' prints from the Curwen Studio, p. 93, no: 230. Tom and Maria La Dell. Edwin La Dell: Lithographs and Etchings, 2004