Folkard, Charles

1-6) Six drawings with titles (presumably for covers) on single leaf, 275 by 315mm.; 7) Drawing for series title (“Black’s Box of Books”), 130 by 102mm.; 8) Drawing for publisher’s logo, 228 by 170mm.; 9-11) Three drawings for Jack and the Beanstalk, three leaves; 12-14) Three drawings for Babes in the Wood, three leaves; 15-17) Three drawings for Dick Whittington, three leaves; 18-19) Two drawings for Little Red Riding Hood, two leaves; 20-24) Five drawings for Cinderella, three leaves; 25-28) Four drawings for Jack the Giant Killer, four leaves; 29) One drawing for Puss in Boots, single leaf, 155 by 120mm.; all ink and gouache, mostly signed with artist’s monogram, various sizes, occasional light soiling; [together with:] 30-36) two typescript letters, two notes and three proof printings of the same text

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."

During the early part of 1930 A. & C. Black planned a box of six books for children entitled Black’s Box of Books. There would be coloured wrappers (outside and inside) together with a double-page centre spread by Charles Folkard. This group includes the double-page centre spreads for all six titles. A single illustration for Puss in Boots is also present, although this appears not to have been included in the series. A contemporary advert from the publishers stated “A new idea in publishing. An attractive box containing six little books of fairy stories. Each book is illustrated in colour by Chas. Folkard. 2s.6d. per box” (see Manchester Guardian, 30 October 1930, p.5).