One of the scarce Matrix Specials

THE WHITTINGTON PRESS; John and Rosalind RANDLE [Eds.] ~ Matrix 4. Number Four. Winter 1984.

LIMITED EDITION. The Whittington Press, Gloucestershire: 1984

Small Folio, quarter brown morocco over marbled paper boards; spine lettered in gilt; upper edge stained black; outer edges untrimmed; brown endpapers; frontis wood engraving by Lettice Sandford, and numerous other reproduced images throughout, including photographs, drawings, folding plates and chinese papercuts; THE BOOK fine, as issued, with the sample dustwrapper and advertisement for Joseph Fry's Baskerville type laid in at end. Lacking the plain slipcase. The wrapper is protected in a removable mylar cover. Limited edition, no. Liij (53) of just 65 special copies printed using 12-point Monotype Caslon on Somerville Laid and Zerkall Halbmatt papers. Matrix is a private press annual celebrating the art of the book, with the first publication released in 1981. Containing contributions from notable printers, illustrators, artists, engravers, paper makers, librarians, and booksellers, the work has grown steadily in size and scope, incorporating more and more tipped-in and folding plates, examples of paper stocks and printing techniques. This example includes articles on the development of typefounding and typesetting, chinese paper images, ceremonial money and letters from Cobden-Sanderson (the English artist and bookbinder). Contributory articles here include John Randle on the development of the Monotype machine, David Butcher on Chinese papercuts (delicately inserted), Christopher Skelton on the making of Eric Gill's engravings, and many others. Founded in 1971 by John and Rosalind Randle, the Whittington Press began in a small barn on the outskirts of Cheltenham, and over the years grew to be a respectable and much-loved business devoted to traditional printing techniques. Focusing on hand-press techniques (Albion's and Colombian relief presses) as well as Caslon type and handmade paper, the Randles later began to collaborate with renowned wood engraver Miriam MacGregor, as well as Neil Winter who ran the letterpresses. Issued annually since 1981, 'Matrix' has made important and distinguished contributions to the study, record, preservation, and dissemination of printing history over the last 40 years, and is celebrated worldwide for the importance of its content and for its meticulous attention to detail. It has therefore become an essential resource in the history of private press printing. Scarce.

BINDING: Hardcover
CONDITION: Fine