Mid-Century Art: Robert Lyons

I have to give it to Joe, he keeps finding treasures at the Park Avenue Motel. This time it's in the form of the art on the walls. He has a collection of Robert Lyons mid-century art prints that used to hang in the rooms. (The drummer/limbo-dancer prints in the middle are by another artist, Amoroso.)



Joe was nice enough to mail me a Robert Lyons painting of my choice and I picked the vases. Photos don't do it justice, the colors jump of the canvas.


I did everything I could to find out more about Robert Lyons the artist, but other than other images of his work (which you can see with a Google image search of his name), there's not a lot of info out there.

He worked in the '50s and '60s and his prints seemed to have been mainly framed by the Franklin Picture Company. On the back of my print is "Franklin Picture 1334" and while the number is shared by other versions of this print, it's not exclusive to this print, though it might be exclusive to Lyons prints.


There are however a lot of artists named Robert Lyons, but when you see this one's work, you'll be able to spot it instantly. It helps that all the prints are signed by Robert Lyons and that signature looks like this.


I haven't found a good place to hang my new print so right now it's just sitting on the mantle.


It will find a good home on the wall soon.

40 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thanks! I am very much in love with them too.

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    2. Just found my first print of Lyons at a bargain price. It has a little wear, but absolutely love it! I see my picture shown above. It is the one with the two musicians playing and it is titled Calypso #9233. I'm a Montessori teacher and i am going to hang it in my classroom. Just wonder if it is to collectable for that?

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    3. Lyons pieces tend to be hard to find, but usually inexpensive. I don't know the going rate for that specific piece, but if it's like most Robert Lyons artwork, it's probably not too expensive/collectable to hang in your classroom.

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    4. Dear Susan, my father, Newell Silvey, sold Franklin Pics for many years, 1960 through his retirement. I remember the names Ed Hirsch & "Bea". I actually remember these Lyons prints gracing our basement. May have been samples or returns. I am Patty Silvey Yanchunas.

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    5. Hi I just found the piece with the bottles and love it!! Kf Vermont

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  2. As the daughter of the founder of the Franklin Picture Company, I'm glad to see something in their line become a collectible. I don't have any of these treasures; my mother never would allow them on our walls!

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    1. Wow, it's too bad your mom wouldn't let your dad take his work home with him. This is one of the few times where I would think that would be very, very OK.

      I'm in love with the works I'm seeing from the Franklin Picture Company (and Robert Lyons). The colors are outstanding and the style is a perfect fit for any mid-century home or Mad Men inspired office. If I were you, I'd pick up one piece for my home, just for old times' sake (and to make dad proud).

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    2. Susan--

      I have a lovely abstract by A Blanchard. As you have some family history. Perhaps you know something about it. passports.art@gmail.com

      C. Bethea

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    3. MFMC, Franklin Picture - I have two Amoroso prints that I have not seen on the web. Bought them in a second-hand shop in NH, I think it was. They're in the same style as the Lyons prints, with similar color palette. The Amoroso signature is on the same tan block as Lyons, too, so -- there has to be an art director in the middle of things there. Will forward photos, if you like. --EG

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    4. I'd love to see those and would be grateful if you sent some photos to MadForMidCentury@gmail.com

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  3. I just found a couple of Robert Lyons prints I think they are calypso musicians and a lady carrying a vase on her head not sure if i should get them reframed as the frames although in great condition and probably original just dont do it for me but if i sell them on it'll probably be better to sell them on as is

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    1. Lucky you. Those are great pieces. I'd look at the back of your pieces before thinking about getting them re-framed. A lot of Robert Lyons art is put securely in its frame and could be harder to get out than expected.

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  4. Does anyone know the value of the Robert Lyons Calypso prints? I have four originals that I'd like to sell. Also, was there ceramic plates and statues that went with them? I have a whole set of calypso plates and calypso drummer statues. I didn't buy them, I inherited them. I'm looking for any information.

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    1. A pair of Robert Lyons calypso prints recently sold on ebay for $75. My guess is you can probably expect between $50 and $75 for a pair, but it all depends on how many people are looking at the time.

      I've never seen the plates or the statues. If you send some pics to MadForMidCentury@gmail.com I'll see what I can find.

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    2. I am interested in the Calypso pics. I am also looking for the cat and dog pics. momtothepoob@yahoo.com

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  5. I'm looking for the Robert Lyons cat pic if anyone has one for sale

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    1. I have the cat and dog pic about how much they worth

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    2. I have this rare 1/65 boy holding a cat that ate the bird

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  6. Hi Ada..I have one..my email is amanda.jen@hotmail.com

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  7. Just stumbled on the vases print at Midland Antiques in Indianapolis; got it, love it! Very inexpensive.

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  8. Have come across a watercolour by Robert Lyon dated 1907 a church title. old church winfonton on wye.any ideas. ?

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    1. I've only every seen his prints, never an original work. I'd love to see one.

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  9. Hi just picked up the print with the bottles and love it! It's very cool. KF in Vermont posting under miamiautosales

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  10. i have a robert lyons big original - not a print! found it at an antique store.. has the actual wood layers. i also have prints of a "space kid" riding a toy car, the vases, the calypsos and vases of flowers

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  11. I have a Robert Lyons I havnt been able to find any info on of owls?? Any one have any?

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  12. yes i have a robert lyons original too.. actual wood layers. bought it for 9 bux at a thrift store about 15. years ago. i have big collection in my house of prints as well. calypso, vases, flowers, Cat, space kid, etc.

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    Replies
    1. i'll email pix to the site..maybe u can post 'em.

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  13. it's all factory art, even the "originals". robert lyons, amarosa, etc aren't usually real people, that's why you can't find bio info on the artist when searching online. Franklin mass produced decorative prints, they didn't deal in fine art

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  14. Hi I bought a house a wile back only one person lived here sence 1910 I have about 30 painting that was here two that are from Robert Lyons can you tell me anyone that can help me with if they are real or worth anything thank you for your time

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    1. Depending on the print, Robert Lyons art usually runs between $10 and $100. I'd check ebay for sold versions of your art to see the going price. If they look like a Robert Lyons print and have his name on them, they're almost certainly real. I've never seen a fake.

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  15. swmuldrow@sbcglobal.netDecember 18, 2019 at 11:49 AM

    I have the other bottles print, but would like to get it’s pair, the one above. Mad for mid-century: interested in selling yours?

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    1. Sorry, no. We've found the perfect place to hang it and it's found its forever home.

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  16. Anybody know of an Robert Lyons owl painting? My girlfriend got one and we cant find anything like it online.

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  17. I have the vase framed print that my Grandma had up in her house. I LOVE the colors and simplicity. I would like to find more.

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  18. Delighted to have found a pair of Robert Lyons flower prints. One has the original Sears price sticker on back ($5.88). Very cool!

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  19. I have the Caypso and one of hands playing a instrument. In the left corner Amo RoSo?

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  20. I have about 30 paintings some by him does anyone know how to talk to about them

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  21. I have that one too. Love it but it's in my attic right now...

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