English Water-colour with Reproductions of Drawings by Eminent Painters, Charles Holme, Frederick Wedmore, 'The Studio', 1902

An impressive and beautifully produced art book, of substantial size, bound with leather and carrying the gilt crest of 'The Society of Writers to H.M. Signet'.

Solicitors in Scotland were formerly known as "writers"; The 'Writers to the Signet' were the solicitors who were entitled to supervise use of the King's Signet, the private seal of the early Kings of Scots. Records of that usage date back to 1369, but the Society was officially formed in 1594, under the direction of Sir Richard Cockburn of Clerkington, then secretary to King James VI.

English Water-colour with Reproductions of Drawings by Eminent Painters. Edited by Charles Holme. Introduction by Frederick Wedmore. This would have been originally issued as a partwork series, issued in 8 parts, which has now been custom bound, and is complete. A very attractive binding by Henderson & Bisset (Edinburgh).

Published by the Offices of "The Studio", London. First edition, 1902.

A very good hardback with green leather spine and corners. With raised bands, and decorative gilt. With green linen cloth over boards. With minor scuffing and bumping, with some discoloration to the leather. Soundly bound.

Text is bright and clean throughout with the occasional minor mark and some usage marks, particularly to endpapers. Gilt top edge. With one marginal tape repair to p.11 of text. The tipped-on coloured plates are lovely and clean throughout. An impressive and well-produced book.

Text in English.

74pp + Black and white Plates + 64 tipped-on colour plates with printed tissue guards (all as called for).

Dimensions: approximately 424mm  x 308mm x 45mm.

A substantial volume. Weight: Approximately 4.6kg (unpacked).