Monday 6 October 2014

Undine


by F. de la Motte Fouque


Illustrated by Rosie M M Pitman



 Published by Macmillan and Co. Limited in 1897. Deemed first edition in this format. 204 pages. 20.3cm x14cm Blue cloth bound boards, gilt title on front board and spine, 18 black and white illustrations as well as numerous headers,tailpieces and illustrated initials

Rose Margaret Mclean Pitman (1868-1947) was born in Manchester into the illustrious and industrious, Pitman family. Her uncle was Sir Isaac Pitman (1813 -1897), inventor of Pitman Shorthand and her Father, Henry was also an expert in the skill of writing by sound. The family were proponents of vegetarianism and homeopathy and were anti vaccinations.






Rosie Pitman was active as an illustrator of children's books until about 1904 and exhibited at The Royal Academy. She appears to have married in 1905 to Frederick Heine, a naturalized German but subsequently reverted to her maiden name. Whether this was a brief marriage and perhaps is the reason she faded into obscurity is not known. 'Undine' is probably her finest work and the illustrations are beautiful and Pre Raphaelite in style.


Tuesday 16 September 2014

Illustrated London News, Christmas 1913


Sold this beautiful copy of the Illustrated News in March this year. The edition is packed with what amounts to a role call of some of the best illustrators at the time. I am not sure who the cover is by,as it is not signed.



Specially commissioned illustrations for the edition by Kay Nielsen


Title Page by Brunelleschi


 Specially commissioned illustration by Kay Nielsen



Illustration by Glasgow School of Art trained artist Annie French


Illustration by Glasgow School of Art trained artist Annie French


Willy Pogany

 Maxwell Parrish




Monday 8 September 2014

Rare Talwin Morris Design

Blackie's Commercial Course of Writing and Book Keeping

A Vere Foster Writing Copy-Book


Found recently, this is a rare copy of one of 'Vere Foster's Writing Copy- Books' with covers designed by Talwin Morris. Very difficult to date, but it would be interesting to find out if there are any other booklets designed by Talwin.

 


Friday 5 September 2014



Godmother's Stories

New Legends to Old Rhymes

By Mrs F H Hall

Illustrated by Katharine Cameron

Published by David Nutt in 1912


Lovely to find this rarity recently. These images by Katharine Cameron are not often seen,but are absolutely beautiful.