Artist: Mackenzie Thorpe
Title: Sleeping Bear Dunes
Medium: Photo Lithograph
Edition: Signed Limited Edition 88/850
Artwork Dimensions: 74cm x 47cm (29" x 18")
Frame Dimensions: N/A Mount: 96cm x 69cm (37.5" x 27")
Condition: New, never framed. Mounted. In original cellophane
About the artwork
Sleeping Bear Dunes is one of Mackenzie Thorpe’s most beloved limited editions, released in the mid-1990s in an edition of 850 signed and numbered prints. The composition shows a polar bear mother and cub curled up together, their oversized paws and fluffy coats rendered with Thorpe’s signature naïve style. Snow falls softly around them, creating a serene, protective atmosphere that highlights the bond between parent and child. The work resonates with Thorpe’s recurring themes of innocence, warmth, and resilience, offering a heartfelt reminder of love and safety even in the harshest environments. Collectors prize this lithograph not only for its emotional depth but also for its rarity and connection to Thorpe’s most iconic period of production
About the Artist
Born in Middlesbrough in 1956, Mackenzie Thorpe has become one of Britain’s most celebrated contemporary artists, renowned for his emotionally charged depictions of childhood, love, and hope. Despite leaving school with few formal qualifications, Thorpe pursued his passion for art, eventually studying at the Byam Shaw School of Art in London. His work blends naïve figuration with profound emotional depth, often featuring children, animals, and Northern landscapes that reflect his working-class upbringing.
Thorpe’s art is characterized by its universal themes of innocence, resilience, and compassion, resonating with audiences across cultures. He has exhibited internationally, with major shows in the UK, US, and Japan, and his public sculptures—such as Waiting for Me Dad in Middlesbrough—stand as enduring tributes to community and heritage. Published widely through Washington Green Fine Art, his limited editions and originals are highly sought after by collectors. Today, Thorpe’s work continues to inspire with its message of hope and humanity, making him a cornerstone of contemporary British art.
