Schoolmaster by Ascham Roger, Signed (1 results)

12mo, 4" x 5.75". 192pp. Attractively designed and finished by George Fisher, who London finisher who apprenticed at Riviere & Son and widely regarded as one of the great twentieth-century bookbinders, in full russet brown crushed morocco. This pretty binding features both covers framed by a foliate border of swirling vines and small gilt leaves with flower-head corner-pieces. Spine with four bands, title, and remaining compartments tooled with gouges and roundels. Gilt-ruled turn-ins, pale blue paper endpapers, all edges gilt and gauffered with a delightful all-over rosette pattern. All edges gilt. Importantly and of note, signed at rear free fly in pen at rear: ìForwarded J. Corcoran. Finished G. Fisher 23.12.98î. Fine condition. George Fisher (1879ñ1970) later served as chief binder at the Gregynog Press from 1924 until its wartime closure in 1940. By 1902, he was employed as a finisher at the bindery run by Alice Pattinson and Else Hoffman. "Fisher attended Douglas Cockerell's evening classes at the Central School, and Cockerell introduced him to Pattinson just after he had finished his apprenticeship at Riviere's" (Tidcombe). Fisher also collaborated with the Woolrich sisters (Ellen and Sofita) for 10+ years as the finisher for their binding designs. From 1904 to (at least) 1916, Fisher directed bookbinding classes at the Camden School of Art, with a contemporary mention in "The Studio" noting J. Corcoran as a director, as well. Signed.