Notes on the Eragny Press And a Letter to J.B. Mason

Cambridge: Privately Printed, 1957. First edition. Cloth. Fine. 8" by 5". Lucien Pissarro. A fine copy of this uncommon, limited edition work on the Eragny Press and an interesting provenance. With eleven beautifully produced plates. The first, and only edition of this work. Privately printed, at the Cambridge University Press. One of five hundred copies bound for presentation by the University Printer to friends in printing and publishing for Christmas 1957. This copy first belonged to Sydney Cockerell who was gifted it in 1957. Cockerell was an English museum curator and collector. He was the director of the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge for almost thirty years. Following Cockerell's death in 1962, this book was gifted to Patricia Milne Henderson from his library by Nina Griggs as a memento of Cockerell. Loosely inserted is a letter from Griggs to Milne-Henderson discussing how she must miss Sydney 'that keen interest that he took in all your doings and achievements must have been a source of encouragement to you'. With the bookplate of art historian Patricia Milne Henderson to the front pastedown. The two pieces by Lucien Pissaro, printed here for the first time, were found among the papers of his friend, James Bolivar Manson, the artist and director of the Tate Gallery 1930 - 1938. Illustrated, with eleven plates produced from original blocks given to Cambridge by Pissaro's widow. Four are in full colour and one is gilded. A charming work, comprising of notes on the Eragny Press which was founded by the landscape painter and printmaker Lucien Pissarro. Pissarro worked in France until 1890 before he moved to Britain. Upon his arrival in England Pissaro met a group of artists who were adherents of William Morris and the Arts and Crafts Movement. They wished to also produce hand-made books and therefore he produced 32 books total with his wife, Esther. This work also has a letter to J B Manson from Pissaro. To the rear there is a supplement on Pissarro and his work, by Alan Fern. An uncommon work, with fascinating provenance. In original paper covered boards. Externally, excellent with minor shelfwear to the extremities. Bookplate to the front pastedown. Prior owner's inscription to the recto of front endpaper. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are very bright with just the odd spot. Fine