RAVILIOUS, Eric. INTERNATIONAL PAVILION PARIS, 1937 ~ Guide to the Exhibits in the Pavilion of the United Kingdom.
4 volumes comprising the English edition (Pp.325, xxxvi of ads); the French edition (pp.332, xxxi of ads); a combined English and French edition (pp. 610, xxxi ads); a working proof of the section on Books, Printing and Illustrations, possibly Oliver Simon’s copy who was the curator of this section. All 8vo., and in the original printed wrappers designed by Eric Ravilious and printed in characteristic blue and ochre. Some signs of light handling and a little darkening to covers but generally very good.
An unusual set of the official guides issued for the United Kingdom Pavilion at the 1937 Paris International Exhibition which was formed to celebrate world advances in science, industry and modern design. It drew over 30 million visitors. Britain’s contribution was overseen by the British Council and included murals by Ravilious, Bawden and Duncan Grant and was a pavilion full of exhibitions.
The annotated proof is particularly fascinating and is possibly the copy of Oliver Simon who edited that section. It included fine press, trade books, typography, adverstising printing etc. and work of several important binders including Sibyl Pye, De Coverley, Elizabeth Greenhill, Sangorski, Gregynog special bindings bound by George Fisher, William Matthews and Madeleine Kohn. Also ‘books de luxe’ from the Cresset, Golden Cockerel, Nonesuch, Ashendene Presses and the Lectern Bible from the Oxford University Press