Coventry Reborn Unity (3 results)

Pamphlet. Condition: Good. 32 pp, paper covers. Covers detached, browning to the sides of covers and title page, slight rust mark to left edge of front cover, staples rusty, rust marks by staples to covers and pages, slight paper loss on covers where detached from staples. no date of publication but most probably 1946. Illustration on front cover is by Arthur Wragg (it's not signed).

Unbound. Condition: Good. Wragg, Arthur (illustrator). First Edition. Printed poster, approximately 505mm x 745mm in size. Slightly curled from being rolled, a couple of small tears to edges, pin holes to corners, creased to edges, especially foot, otherwise fairly bright. "In July 1945, Colonel Ayherst, on behalf of the Coventry Cathedral Appeal, had invited Wragg to help with publicity material for the rebuilding of the bombed ruin. Although he presented a whole range of ideas for posters and leaflets, relations were not easy, but six illustrations were accepted" (Brook, 'Arthur Wragg', page 138). Offered with a fair copy (browned to edges, staples rusted) of the 32pp pamphlet, 'The Coventry Cathedral Plan', which also makes use of the artwork Size: Double Elephant. Poster.

An arresting poster designed by the leading pacifist artist Arthur Wragg, produced in the aftermath of the Second World War to appeal for funds to rebuild Coventry Cathedral, destroyed in a German air raid in November 1940. Wragg (1903-1976) was "a commercial graphic artist, producing posters and illustrations for magazines, and illustrating a variety of books throughout a career which extended for almost 50 years. His most significant work, however, set him apart from any other British twentieth-century illustrator. His images are savagely powerful, deriving from his fervent practical Christianity, pacifism, and sense of social justice. And they had a notable impact on public opinion, in a way that is unimaginable now" (Brook, p. 8). "In July 1945, Colonel Ayherst, on behalf of the Coventry Cathedral Appeal, had invited Wragg to help with publicity material for the rebuilding of the bombed ruin. Although he presented a whole range of ideas for posters and leaflets, relations were not easy, but six illustrations were accepted" (Brook, p. 138). This poster originates from a number of copies retained by Wragg. Judy Brook, Arthur Wragg: Twentieth-century Artist, Prophet and Jester, 2001. Offset lithograph, 505 x 745 mm. Lightly creased, slightly curled from being rolled, a couple of small tears to edges, pin holes to corners. In good condition.