This stunning edition of The Poetical Works of William Cowper was published by T Nelson and Son in 1874. The book features a burgundy Morocco spine with gilt lettering and decoration, with five raised bands. All edges gilt. The boards are mauchline ware, and feature a really beautiful and delicate fern and leaves pattern.
The process to create mauchline fern ware was complex and each piece created was unique. The craftsmen would use a technique called the reverse stencil method. Dried ferns and leaves would be arranged on a wooden surface (often sycamore wood) coated in resin - the resin would work to hold the leaves in place. After this, they were sprayed with coloured dyes and varnish. The process could then be repeated to create layers which gave fern ware its delicate, three-dimensional quality. When finished, the boards would have been given a final varnishing. Mauchline Ware was a technique that originated in the 1830's in the Scottish town of Mauchline in which a transfer print was applied to a lacquered wooden object.
It's in near fine condition with just minor scratches and bumps to the treen. There are some scuffs to the gilt text block edges and the spine ends show light wear.
Inside, the hinges are reinforced with blue tape. The pages show light age toning throughout and scattered foxing. The book is filled with beautiful black and white illustrations.
Dimensions approximately 17cm x 11.5cm x 3.5cm.
Every book purchased will be hand wrapped in patterned wallpaper and ribbon.
I try to use eco friendly packaging wherever possible. This includes 100% recycled jiffy bags, biodegradable bubble wrap, and paper offcuts from the newspaper industry.