Our first catalogue will be centred around the Woodblock in European printing, spanning the earliest illustrations in Incunabula, to their use in modern illustrated books. The catalogue will contain a fine selection of works from each century, focusing on books with particularly pleasing woodblock illustrations. The catalogue will examine the woodblock as art, as well as its less artistic (practical) uses, whereby the woodblock is used merely to elucidate the subject-matter of the book, yet is nevertheless charming in that use.

 

Photographed above is the Kelmscott Press illustrated edition of the Story of the Glittering Plain. It was this specific work which ignited my interest in the woodblock, and inspired this catalogue. Indeed, Morris' work at the Kelmscott Press sparked a revival in the use of the woodblock in the printed book, which was to have a lasting impact on subsequent printing.

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It is my hope to create a catalogue which not only brings to light such wonderful woodblock illustrations, but to also contextualise each book within its historical environment. In this way, the catalogue will offer a unique opportunity to assess the developments of the woodblock in style, taste, and use.

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To keep informed on this catalogue, and to find out details of which books we will have on offer, please register your interest below: