ALLIX (Susan)

A Prospect of Gardens

'THE GARDEN IS A CONSTANT PARTNER IN THE LANDSCAPE OF OUR LIVES'

One of 17 copies signed and numbered by Susan Allix. 54 illustrations in total, 30 of which are etchings, some with watercolour, acrylic or ink colouring, seven linocuts, eight combination prints of lino and etching, three photographs, three collages, two digitally reproduced miniature paintings, and one translucent sheet of vellum with pressed flowers beneath. Printed in black and colours. Landscape folio, 37.5 x 39cm, 144pp. Original full green goatskin by Susan Allix, upper cover with large inlaid panel of goatskin painted in a semi-abstract floral inspired design, with original green cloth box. London, Susan Allix, 2015.

£5,000.00

Fine.

‘This is a book of garden moments.

It is neither a history, nor a story of specific gardens; not a gardening manual, or account of plants, designers, gardeners. As a prospect it contains elements of all these, laying out a perspective of shapes, influences and preferences that occur when nature is organised and the companionship of the earth is considered. Over time, the pleasure, profit, creativity and dreaming reveal how the garden is a constant partner in the landscape of our lives.’ (Susan Allix, from the prospectus).

Taking extracts from Cyrus the Younger, Vitruvius, Columella, Goethe, Arungzeb, Lear, Livy, Faure, Thomas Coryat, John Evelyn, James Fergusson and others, Susan Allix draws together a narrative exploring the spirit of the garden and the human impulse to impose order on nature.

’As a garden, or a progression through the prospects of the garden, the book is planted with shapes, colours, walkways, light and shade. It is sown with different images, each relating to the moment but flowing on to the next view. This is achieved in different ways. Typography changes from one face, one size, to another. Pages are laid out in consideration of their content - for example, openings from Ancient Egypt appear with partitions, in reference to a papyrus or Book of the Dead.’ (Susan Allix*)*

Stock No.
256239