A binding by Helen Schofield for 'More English Fairy Tales'

Binding

Helen Scholfield

1894

Morocco leather with butterfly designs

10 x 6 1/4 inches

See commentary below

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Photograph and text by Edward Nudelman

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Commentary by Edward Nudelman

The butterfly motif is expanded in full doublures in a striking gilt-tooled design. There are inlays in ochre, maroon, dark green and dark brown. All of the design components are bordered in gilt, with some of the objects containing all-over gilt stippling. Here we have the mix of creative, forward-thinking design blended with technical expertise, and for this reason, one of the more important Guild bindings to be found, representing a break from tradition. The design motifs, featuring the butterfly theme stylized into design, are striking. As well, the technical prowess needed to not only produce the dyed piece for on-lay, but also arrange and balance the design is phenomenal. The pattern repeats on both covers, with a nice augmentation to the spine, which is smooth, with four lines of gilt lettering near the top.

Bibliography

More English Fairy Tales. London: G. Batten, 1894.

Created 11 December 2017