Lot 142
  • 142

Golden Cockerel Press

Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 USD
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Description

  • paper
Chaucer, Geoffrey. The Canterbury Tales ... with wood engravings by Eric Gill. Waltham Saint Lawrence, Berkshire: Golden Cockerel Press, 1929-1931



4 volumes, folio (12 1/4 x 7 1/2 in.; 310 x 190 mm), deckled edges. Wood-engraved illustrations, a proof copy of one pair of marginal woodcuts signed in pencil "E. Gill" laid in. Russet quarter-morocco and decorated paper boards.



With: A complete set of wood-engraved illustrations and decorations for volume 1, 46 images on 24 sheets, proof-impressions, each numbered 2/10 or 3/10 and signed by the artist. In a tan leatherette album.



With: A duplicate of volume 4 only, printed on vellum, russet morocco, gilt-stamped initial in center, gilt edges, no. 13 of 15 copies printed on vellum.

Literature

Chanticleer 63

Condition

a fine copy
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

no. 323 of 485 copies printed.

A fine copy of the most desirable work of the Golden Cockerel Press — a printing project directed by Robert and Moira Gibbings that took three and a half years. Eric Gill's wood engravings occupy nearly every page: more than two dozen half-page engravings; more than 200 decorative borders; and numerous initials in black, red, and blue throughout. Gill engraved one hundred and sixty blocks for the book. As determined by Skelton these were: 6 illustrations, 25 illustrations with initials, 5 initial letters, 8 tail-pieces, 3 line-fillings and 6 sprays.