Wolfendale, Timothy--Van Sandwyk, Charles

Full Moon Eyes: An Ode to the Wisdom and Forbearance of Owls. Vancouver: Charles Van Sandwyk Fine Arts, 2012, 9 colour plates tipped in and other illustrations, original wrappers bound in [together with:] I Believe: Two Poems and a Hidden Thought. [Vancouver:] Savuti Press, 2012, number 32 of 125 copies, full-page copperplate etching numbered and signed by the artist, original wrappers bound in; fine red goatskin by Timothy Wolfendale with relief scene in morocco, silver, yellow gold and enamel of an owl sitting on a tree on upper cover and relief scene in morocco, silver and enamel of a mouse reading by candle on lower cover, folding box with recessed panels and morocco onlays

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A SUMPTUOUS BINDING BY BOOKBINDER AND JEWELLER, TIMOTHY WOLFENDALE.

The upper cover presents a perched owl made from sterling silver sheet and 9ct yellow gold, in a process known as repousse work. A hammer and small punches were used to create the shape when is then engraved by hand with the owl’s feathers carved out to take green transparent enamel which has been fired in a kiln. The owl’s tree and forest scene are built up from morocco onlays. A fairy-tale castle is made from sterling silver sheet with 9ct yellow gold flags soldered together using a mouth-blown soldering torch. A miniature book, which can be stored within a compartment within the box, is bound in red goatskin and includes a magnet so that it can be positioned on the tree. On this little book is the hallmark for sterling silver and a 9ct gold hallmark as well as the makers mark T.W.

The lower cover shows a mouse standing on leather books and was worked the same way as the owl on the front. The mouse’s book is carved and then the leather finely paired and stretched over the top. The candle he reads by is silver and the flame is red transparent enamel.

The spine is lettered and embellished with morocco onlays.

There are five folding magnetic panels on the endpapers which allow access to the compartments which secure the silverwork with screws. Each piece of silver can be removed for cleaning with a bespoke tool, with a garnet at the top, which is stored in a recess within the spine of the box. The box, bound in green goat skin, has two recesses and morocco onlays. A detachable silver mouse is cast in sterling silver.

Timothy Wolfendale has been a bookbinder for over 25 years and works from a small workshop in rural Cambridgeshire. His unique bindings show an inventive fusion of jewellery making skills and bookbinding experience. His work has sold in these rooms, 7/8 June 1990, lots 270/271 and also 14 July 2015, lot 243.