WOLFENDALE--MILNE. THE WINNIE-THE-POOH STORIES SUMPTUOUSLY BOUND BY TIMOTHY WOLFENDALE, 1926-28

Winnie-the-Pooh. Methuen, 1926, 8vo, FIRST EDITION, fine goatskin with relief scene of Pooh with enamel balloon with some bees and Christopher Robin on upper cover and relief scene of Pooh on a branch of his tree together with Piglet and an enamel dandelion on lower cover;  The House at Pooh Corner. Methuen, 1928, 8vo, FIRST EDITION, fine goatskin with relief scene of Christopher Robin, Pooh and Piglet playing Poohsticks on upper cover and relief scene of Tigger breakfasting with Pooh together with Eeyore sitting in The Wolery and Christopher Robin on lower cover; both 8vo, bindings in fine green and blue goatskin with relief scenes in goatskin, sterling silver, 9ct yellow gold and enamel, spines lettered and embellished with morocco onlays, within folding box lined in green velvet and bound in dark green goatskin with morocco onlays and silver cast Pooh on outside, numerous internal compartments holding bespoke tools and additional pots and plates together with scene of Christopher Robin and Winnie-the-Pooh coming down the stairs with silver balustrade

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."

THE ULTIMATE INVENTIVE BINDING OF MILNE’S CLASSICS. The bookbinder and jeweller Timothy Wolfendale has employed a variety of different techniques and materials to create this unique example of the art of modern binding.

The relief scenes are largely carved from wood with goatskin paired and stretched over the top. Sterling silver work is mostly done using a process called repousse. Many silver pieces are engraved and several feature 9ct yellow gold (inside some honey pots and on a silver bee, for example). There are also some sections in enamel and morocco onlays. Several pieces are secured in position by magnets. All silverwork can be removed with bespoke tools, contained in the folding case. These tools are hand-engraved and have moonstones set in the top.

Timothy Wolfendale has been a bookbinder for over 25 years and works from a small workshop in rural Cambridgeshire. Combining his jewellery making skills and bookbinding experience he is able to create unique pieces. His early work was sold in these rooms, 7/8 June 1990, lots 270 and 271. More recent work includes work sold in these rooms, 14 July 2015, lot 243 and 12 July 2016, lot 217.