John Mason (papermaker)
Eric Gill, Ralph Dobston, Rigby Graham et al. (after)
More Papers Hand Made by John Mason
Twelve by Eight Mill (handmade paper)
Blair Hughes Stanton, Stanbrook Abbey, Will Carter, Bernard Roberts et al. (presses)
Maggs, 50 Berkeley Square, London: 1966
Quarto, gilt-stamped faux-vellum boards, publisher’s clear mylar protective jacket and protective board chemise
Signed and dated 1966, numbered 142
$1,250

Beautiful limited edition artist’s book containing 35 examples of the art of handmade paper from John Mason's Twelve By Eight Mill in Leicester, U.K., each with printed fine art illustrations or special typefaces, combined with poetry or verse. 

The book is signed by John Mason, and numbered 142, of an edition of no more than 200. This particular copy was issued with five additional items, as described below.

Mason was active in the 1960s, right before a major revival of hand papermaking in Western art in the Seventies and Eighties.  Mason’s colophon for another book comments that there were a handful of hand papermaking studios in England at the time.  The practice of this craft is now widespread, with established organizations such as the International Association of Hand Papermakers and Paper Artists.

The colophon reads as follows:

Mason notes on an introductory page that "at the end of this copy I have added five extra interesting items." These are:

• Introductory leaves of his first sample book, published by Maggs in 1959.
• Menu upon his 1958 election as a member of the Double Crown Club.
• Twelve by Eight Press contribution to Typophile Memorial Keepsake to Paul A. Bennett.
• Original sketch of trees, pen and ink by Rigby Graham.
• Specimen page from booklet on papermaking produced at Leicester College of Art by Douglas Martin.

Please see our other hand made paper collection by John Mason.

Condition:  Generally very good with only minor wear.  Corners of covers slightly incurved.  Protective chemise slightly soiled.