Kelmscott Chaucer At Auction
Later this week Swann Galleries will auction the libraries of two American private press collectors. Expect to see books from Ashendene, Bird & Bull, Doves, Golden Cockerel, Gregynog, Kelmscott, Nonesuch, as well as more contemporary printers like The Limited Editions Club, Janus, Arion, and many more. It is a great opportunity for those who are actively collecting private press books--there is both a variety of printers and price points (estimates range from the low hundreds to the tens of thousands).
Among the highlights in the 281-lot auction is this Kelmscott Chaucer, regarded as the most famous modern private press book. It is one of 425 copies printed by William Morris in Hammersmith in 1896. Estimated at $30,000-50,000, this one is in original holland-backed boards.
Among the highlights in the 281-lot auction is this Kelmscott Chaucer, regarded as the most famous modern private press book. It is one of 425 copies printed by William Morris in Hammersmith in 1896. Estimated at $30,000-50,000, this one is in original holland-backed boards.
