Harold Town (1924-1990) remains one of the most accomplished and fascinating characters from the "Painters Eleven" group.

While Town coined the group's name (based on the number of artists who simply attended their first meeting) his output was diverse, ever-changing and not restricted to painting.

Somewhat ironically, Town's first significant body of work, which established his reputation, was a group of monotype - which he called "Single Autographic Prints"

Town was introduced to lithography by fellow Painters Eleven member Oscar Cahen.

The "Single Autographic Prints" were first exhibited in 1954. Two years later the National Gallery of Canada would successfully nominate Town to represent the nation at the Venice Biennale.

By the end of the decade Town received international accolades for these works and had become one of the most admired artists in Canada.

This example of a "Single Autographic Print" is Harold Town at his best; layered, rich colors creating a hypnotic abstract surface. The title refers to nautilus, which are a genus of sea mollusc, and the last surviving genus of the Nautiloidea family. This works appears to be Town's abstract homage to the species, showcasing their sometimes pearly exterior and multiple tentacles.

An essential work for any collection of post-war Canadian abstraction.