BAWDEN (Edward) & MCKITTERICK (David)

Wallpapers by Edward Bawden printed at the Curwen Press.

One of 120 copies, this one of 40 specially bound copies signed by Bawden and McKitterick, including seven original sheets of Curwen Press printed wallpaper tipped in, along with two further full sheets. Text printed in yellow and black, lithographs in colour. Folio, 33 x 49cm, i-xii, 18, [7] pp. Original publisher’s binding of quarter yellow Nigerian goatskin over boards with reproduction of Bawden’s Bird’s Nest wallpaper pattern, with original tan cloth and brown paper slipcase and folder. Andoversford, The Whittington Press, 1989.

£2,000.00

Fine, indeed practically as new, the water staining visible on the covers is as reproduced from the original wallpaper, all contained within original cardboard packaging, the two additional sheets of wallpaper as issued with the 40 specially bound copies are rolled into a cardboard tube rather than inserted into the included folder; there is no sign of their having been folded, that they are original lithographs cannot be doubted, but the possibility of their being supplied cannot be ruled out.

A masterful survey of a highpoint of mid-century decorative design, including a large number of original samples. ‘Between 1927 and 1933 the Curwen Press produced a series of wallpapers that challenged an industry dominated by a few manufacturers, and a public often anxious for change but uncertain where it wished to be led. Nearly all of these papers were the work of Edward Bawden’ (from the introduction).

The original wallpaper samples included are as follows: Tree and Cow (whole sheet, tipped in), Wood Pigeon (whole sheet, tipped in), Napkin and Fruit (whole sheet, tipped in), Sahara (full sheet, tipped in), Lagoon (quarter sheet, tipped in), Knole Park (tipped in, half sheet), Node (quarter sheet, tipped in), Riveria (whole sheet, loose), Facade (whole sheet, loose).

Stock No.
233158