GILL, Eric

Eric Gill ‘Lion’ Book-plate for Philip Hofer

Description

Eric Gill wood engraving originally cut to be used as Book-plate for Philip Hofer, 1928. Printed from the original wood block by Gill and Hague and published by Faber & Faber Ltd in 1934. The sheet is in good condition.
Image size 70 x 90mm  (2.5 x 3.5 inches)
Sheet size 310 x 250mm  (12 x 9 inches)

Item details

Reference: Physick 502, Cleverdon 219, 19

Originally cut to be used as Book-plate for Philip Hofer, 1928.The woodcut was subsequently printed from the original woodblock for the Douglas Cleverdon edition ‘Engravings 1928-1933 by Eric Gill’, printed by Gill and Hague, published by Faber & Faber Ltd in 1934. This edition is rare and was printed in a small edition size.

Philip Hofer, (1898-1984) , who founded the Department of Printing and Graphic Arts in the Houghton Library,  was a curator and collector of great zeal and singular taste. Hofer bequeathed manuscripts, writing manuals, illustrated books, and examples of fine and unusual printing. The objects of Hofer’s fancy constitute a teaching collection and a scholarly resource of the highest kind. They also justify the reputation he earned over a long and unique career as the “Prince of the Eye.”