Books

First edition, deluxe limited issue, number 29 of 1,000 copies signed by the artist. This copy is sumptuously bound by the Bayntun-Rivière bindery with an onlay replica of Dulac's Blue Beard illustration, in the so-called "Kelliegram" style popularized by the firm Kelly and Sons. Regarded by Gordon Ray as Dulac's best work, the deluxe issue of The Sleeping Beauty sold out on publication. The artist "found inspiration for his fairy tale characters' dress and surroundings in the French 18th century... when the literature he illustrates was at the acme of its vogue" (Hughey). Quarto (304 x 244 mm). Finely bound in blue crushed morocco c.1960 by Bayntun-Rivière, spine with raised bands lettered in gilt, compartments decorated in gilt with 5 fillets and central floral tool, multiple gilt fillets and foliate cornerpieces to boards, front board with a recessed panel enclosing a figure rendered in relief with modelled multicolour morocco onlays, turn-ins with multiple gilt fillets and floral tool repeated from spine at each corner, blue moiré silk endpapers, edges gilt, blue bookmarker. Housed in a custom blue cloth slipcase. Colour frontispiece mounted within decorative border, 29 similar plates, head- and tailpieces. Bookplate of Captain Richard Campbell OBE (1933-2023) to verso of front free endpaper. Together with a loosely inserted invoice from Bayntun dated 1964 in the hand of proprietor Hylton Bayntun-Coward. Spine sunned, small mark to rear board, outer leaves foxed, else clean. A near-fine copy. Hughey 23.

The Sleeping Beauty is a classic fairy tale which was originally published by Charles Perrault. It has been adapted and retold through various formats including books, films, and ballets. The story involves a beautiful princess, a sleeping enchantment, and a handsome prince.