Born in the East End of London into a family of steeple jacks, Larkins was a fellow student of Graham Sutherland &co at the Goldsmiths’ College in the early 1920’s. He was always at college by 6 am to start work.

He had established an international reputation as an etcher by 1922-23 and from 1924 his prints were published by Colnaghi.

Several of his prints have dramatic light effects, anticipating his interest in cinema. In 1929 he would study with the Russian film director Sergei Eisenstein.

Larkins gave up printmaking post- 1930, and this would be one of Larkins’ last etchings. Aberystwyth own the preparatory pencil drawing, and impressions in the 1st and 2nd states. After the etching market had collapsed, Larkins turned to commercial art. He designed the Black Magic chocolate box.

Inscribed indistinctly by Larkins in pencil near the foot of the sheet, 4th state Imp 11? No.3. On tissue thin japan with chain and laid lines.