THIS is the third and final book to be published on Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum’s remarkable collection of Arts and Crafts objects. The previous two volumes focused on traditional arts collections and this book draws on the extensive archive of printed material to explore themes close to the hearts of the Arts and Crafts Movement and, interestingly, the private Press Movement; the importance of design and workmanship and the pleasure of books.
Five essays cover printmaker and bibliophile Emery Walker, William and May Morris at Kelmscott Press, the architect designer Ernest Gimson, Sidney Barnsley, architect craftsman and stained glass artist Paul Woodroffe.
There are marvellous archive photographs, particularly on Emery Walker, archive drawings and a good reference, with new material, on a well-documented subject. The Arts and Crafts archives at Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum are well worth a visit.
Inspired printing in print at last
Originality and Initiative: The Arts and Crafts Archives at Cheltenham, edited by Mary Greensted and Sophia Wilson, published by Lund Humphries in association with Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum. ISBN 0853318735 £25sb
