Raverat (Gwendolen Mary "Gwen", pioneering woman artist and founding member of The Society of Wood Engravers, 1885-1957) Two albums comprising 527 wood engravings, compiled by the artist, vol. 1 includes 208 wood engravings, 90 of which are signed (some with initials) in pencil, vol. 2 includes 319 wood engravings, 5 of which are signed, however the vast majority are either inscribed in pencil directly onto the album leaf or print itself, both albums contain manuscript and printed numbered contents lists with dates, print titles, and prices for sale, wood engravings, a few examples of working proofs in variant states, on various papers, all neatly tipped onto album leaves, the prints of varying sizes between approx. 60 x 40 mm (2 1/4 x 1 1/2 in) and 230 x 330 mm (9 x 13 in), some associated prints presented with several to one album leaf, a few delicate prints with minor condition issues to extremities, scattered spotting and minor surface dirt, original cloth, faint gilt lettering to spines 'Wood/ Cuts/ G.R 1 [or 2]' vol. 2 rebacked with glue-stains to covers and other surface dirt, worn, folio, circa 1909-1939

Provenance:
Estate of the artist; anonymous sale;
Private collection, UK

⁂ A comprehensive collection of Raverat's wood engravings spread across two volumes, with volume one spanning the years 1909 to 1934, and volume two, the years 1928 to 1939. A unique opportunity to acquire a comprehensive collection of the early and mid-career wood engravings, compiled by the artist herself. The albums chart her early years and developing aesthetic over 30 years, as well as chronicling Raverat's total refinement of the wood engraving technique to express her artistic vision.

Among the collection, highlight prints include: The Knight of the Burning Pestle, 1909; Child Stealers, 1909; Margaret's Ghost (ballad), 1909; Sir Thomas Browne No. 1 and No. 2, 1910; Flying, 1910; A Dream, 1910-1911; The Creation of Light (drawn by Jacques Raverat, cut by G.R.), 1912; The Storm, 1912; The dead Christ (Jacques and Gwen) 1913; Mountains (Jacques Raverat) 1915; Poplars, 1916; Le Pelvoux (drawn by Jacques Raverat, cut by G.R.), 1918; Boys Bathing, 1919; Bathers, 1920; Bathsheba, 1920; Dancing Boys, 1920; Sleeping Beauty, 1921; Eve, 1921; Witches, 1924; Sleepers, 1927; The Bourne, 1929; and numerous book illustrations.