Bindings

Modelled Leather Binding by Mary Simpson Sorley, bearing Sorley's bookplate, signature and monogram + date, 1896 to lower cover. Blind embossed calf, image of knights and damsel on horseback to upper board. (see Tidcombe p.117 'Women Binders' where she refers to a 'Miss Sorley', one of the exhibitors at an 'Exhibition of Artistic Bookbinding by Women' which opened in November 1897. The exhibition predated the formation of the Guild of Women Binders.) Mary Simpson Sorley looks to have been one of Annie MacDonald's Edinburgh group of binders, which became known as the Edinburgh Arts and Crafts Club. Annie MacDonald invented her own form of modelled leather bindings and taught the technique to the other women in her group, probably including Mary Simpson Sorley, who appears to have copied MacDonald's manner of signing her bindings with a monogram to the lower board. Annie MacDonald's group produced bindings titled by Frank Karslake - the founder of the Guild of Women Binders - 'Medieval Morocco' suggesting that the motifs such as Simpson uses here of a damsel and knights were a signature theme of the group. Though not as finely modelled as MacDonald's work, this binding is a rare example of her Edinburgh group's work. Small worm hole to front board, spine gilt worn but an interesting binding reflecting the interest in all things medieval in the late Victorian era.

The book itself is of little account, Arthur Clough's Poems 11th edition.

A copy of the first edition Of Dickens' David Copperfield, published in 1850. Dated title page, first issue points, but the real interest of the book is in the Art Nouveau binding. Early 20th century crimson moroccco, signed Guild of Women Binders to front turn in. Heart and poppy tools and vertical gilt lines to spine; Boards have single filet border with stylised flower. These tools similar to those used by Constance Karslake, daughter of Frank who set up the Guild of Women Binders, which was in existence for a few short years from 1898. For illustration of a Constance Karslake binding using very similar tools see Tidcombe , p.125 fig. 85. Minor marks. Very handsome. Books bound by the Guild are uncommon and this is a lovely example.
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