 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Hard cover, large folio (measuring 12 1/2 x 17 1/8 inches), in the original three-volume set, in a red morocco Grolier-style binding blocked with black banding richly gilt, with titles to the center front, flanked by four interconnecting discs listing the continents represented at the exhibition: Europe, Asia, Africa and America. The heavy boards have bevel shaped edges, the spine with six raised bands and decorated compartments, all edges gilt. Inside, pale yellow silk moire endpapers with original ribbon bookmarks intact. Prelims include two title pages, including the heavily decorated chromolithographed title page, List of Plates and Index of Exhibitors and subjects at beginning each volume. Printed by Cox and Wyman Printers, Great Queen Street, London. Originally issued in parts, this was the first bound edition ( Morris & Levin, p. 131). **Collation: Unpaginated. Each volume was issued with 100 full folio page tissue-guarded chromolithographed plates (300 in all), with accompanying letterpress descriptions in English and French. Not an ex-Library copy. **CONDITION: Overall, Very Good. On the outside, some sympathetic color restoration, neatly done. Inside, hinges are in order. Interior contents have been re-glued, where needed. Pages are smooth, unwrinkled and generally not showing wear, with the outstandingly colorful chromolithographs remaining bright and pleasing in their matching co-ordinating Victorian hues. Light foxing affects margins of some plates, more so at prelims; a common occurrence with this work probably due to the multiple printing runs required to complete each plate. Vol.1: Lacks Plate 45. (Appears to have been simply left out, as tissue guard and text are present and unremarkable.) A inch-sized bit of the tissue guard to Plate 12 is adhered to the plate. Vol. 2: one lower rear corner gently bumped but stable. A former owner's stamp appears to ffep., and slight soiling affects silk endpapers this vol. only . Vol. 3: Clean and in order except for light foxing on some plates (worst at prelims and a few at center of volume.) All volumes require careful handling as original binding glue has proven to be fragile, (but reinforced as mentioned above.) **The 1862 International Exhibition was held on the grounds of Kensington Garden, London, from May to November, 1862 within the purpose-built iron and glass structure of Alexandra Palace. The Author of this work, Architectural draughtsman, designer and author of a number of earlier lithographed works on architectural history, JOHN BURLEY WARING (1823-1875), was appointed Superintendent of "the architectural gallery and of the classes for furniture, earthenware and glass, goldsmiths' work and jewelry, and objects used in architecture." (DNB) Also included are examples of fabric, carpeting, lacework, wallpaper and stained glass. Several handmade fine book bindings by Zaehnsdorf, John Leighton and other continental bookbinders are also illustrated, each with Waring's essay as to the makers and their work. Works are represented from around Great Britain, India, France, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Prussia, Sweden, Denmark, China, Turkey, as well as an inaugural deputation from Japan. This set of three volumes were offered by subscription the following year, and consist of a herculean array of three hundred painstakingly produced chromo-lithographer's art and explanatory letter-press. As described in the Author's Preface: "Some idea of the extent of the undertaking may be derived from the following statistics: --The time requisite to produce the 300 Plates in chromo-lithography would have been, for one artist, at least 42 years; and the printing of the edition of the plates in their numerous colours would have occupied any one printer, working ordinary hours, 104 years. Nearly 3,000 litho-stones have been used for the work, and about 40 tons weight of the finest quality of paper consumed." (Preface, V.1) This work has been called a masterwork of the art of chromolithography. This will be of interest to artists, designers, set decorators, art historians, museums, and antique collectors of all kinds. Note: Heavy set (17 lbs. per volume) may require extra shipping cost if going overseas. Scarce to find a full set of this work. REFS: G.C. Boase, " John Burley Waring," DNB (1885-1890, Voll. 59),p. 385. J. Hollingshead, "The International Exhibition of 1862. The Illustrated Catalogue of the Industrial Department." Printed for Her Majesty's Commissioners" by Clay, Son & Taylor et al, London, 1862. J. Timbs, The Year-Book of Facts in the International Exhibition of 1862 (London: Lockwood & Co., 1862). Morris and Levin, The Art of the Publisher's Bookbindings 1815-1915 , (Los Angeles: William Daley Rare Books, 2000) No. 131. p. (AMJ)
Ref: ARCH 9596
$2650.00