PHILIP SMITH, bookbinder. ~ The New English Bible. New Testament.
Bound by Philip Smith in 1961 (signed on the upper turn-in in blind and lower in gilt). 8vo., full niger morocc, upper cover with design of descending angel stamped in gilt with wings and body in feathered onlays, followed by trail of colours in feathered onlays and stamping in black, lower cover with design of ascending angel stamped in black with wings and body in feathered onlays, followed by trail of stamping in black, spine lettered in white on black stamps together with feathered onlays, gilt edges, original brown cloth slipcase. In superb condition with Slight offset to free endpapers from turn-ins.
From the library of Lord Wardington sold at Sotheby’s 12th July 2006, Lot 210. Since then in a private collection. A remarkably good and rather beautiful example of the work of the great British designer bookbinder Philip Smith, MBE.
Philip Smith (b.1928) studied bookbinding under Roger Powell at the Royal College of Art. He taught bookbinding at various institutions and was assistant to Sydney Cockerell from 1957-1961. President of the Designer Bookbinders from 1977-1979, founder and editor of The New Bookbinder, he has lectured and exhibited in numerous countries.
Philip Smith has moved beyond the decorative tradition of binding and has invented many new techniques, in particular the feathered onlay (used elaborately in this binding) and 'maril' (marbled inlaid leather, reconstituted and sectioned).