The George Mackley Collection. I. Confessions of a Woodpecker; II. George Mackley, Wood Engraver; III. Wood Engravings.

Mackley, George

Published by Gresham Press, UK, 1981

The Gresham Press 1981 1st. Published in a limited edition of 250 as part of a collection of the works of George Mackley and as a momento of the exhibition of his wood engravings at the Ashmolean Museum Oxford in November 1981. No. 112 signed in pencil by George Mackley in Vol. 1. 3 volumes in one slipcase. Vol. 1 (small folio) 1981 1st Confessions of a Woodpecker. 32 reproductions of wood engravings by Monica Poole, Joan Hassall, Robert Gibbings, Clifford Webb, John Farleigh, Gertrude Hermes, Noel Rooke, Ian Macnab, Gwenda Morgan, Nora Unwin, Agnes Miller Parker, Dr Christopher Buckland Wright and Blair Hughes-Stanton. 67 reproductions of wood engravings with titles and dates by George Mackley are loose on 61 varying size sheets of card in a pocket at the rear. 10 of the engravings have faint spots of foxing, largely around the edges, but non encroach on the engravings. Vol. 2 George Mackley Wood Engraver (small folio) 138 listed illustrations by Mackley. Some light foxing to front end paper. 1981 1st. Vol. 3 Wood Engravings by Goerge Mackley 1981 Reprint of 1948 edition on the mechanics of wood engraving. Illustrated throughout. The three volumes uniformly bound in quarter calf with marbled paper boards, a decoratoin dividing the two. The slipcase similarly bound with 4 sets of 2 gilt bands plus a single band top and bottom on the spine. A few light marks to the spines of the books and the leather overlap. More mottling on the overlaps on the slipcase with fading to the spine and parts of the leather overlap. There is a large stain on the spine of the slipcase (see photos). Also included is a photocopy of a 4 page hand-written letter sent to 'Ian' at Tonbridge on 17 November 1981, signed 'George' with GEORGE MACKLEY written in capitals underneath. This refers to the exhibition of Mackley's Work at the Ashmolean which 'Ian' organised and George Mackley attended. In the letter he reflects on his work and attitude towards wood engraving. There is an invitation card (16x10cm) to the Ashmolean exhibition which includes the engraving of Chestnuts (1944). Seller Inventory # 024861

Bibliographic Details

Title: The George Mackley Collection. I. ...
Publisher: Gresham Press, UK
Publication Date: 1981
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Very Good
Dust Jacket Condition: Slipcase Good
Edition: 1st