An Introduction to Dutch Art

WILENSKI, R H.

Published by Faber & Gwyer Limited, London, 1929

About this Item

1st Edition. Note attached to ffep being dedication of book by Sir Robert Witt on "32 Portman Square" headed paper. The dedication is initialled by Witt and dated Jan 1929. Description: Red cloth with cream title plate to spine. Gilt upper text block edge. Rough cut edges. Illustrated with 128 black and plates. Language: English. Book Condition> Fair: Light wear to corners and edges. Wear and chipping to upper and lower spine ends. 5cm tear to upper rear spine edge with 1.5cm tear across title plate. Lightly sunned spine with light rubbing to boards. Tightly bound with age toned intact endpapers. Firm hinges. Dedication note taped to ffep. Lightly tanned unmarked pages. DJ Condition> No DJ. 304pp. Size: 8vo 22.5cm by 16.5cm. Provenance: Sir Robert Witt. Provenance Background: Sir Robert Witt: Creator of the research photographs collection of the University of London ("Witt Library") The Witt Library is an immense collection of photographs, reproductions and cuttings of paintings, drawings and engravings of Western Art from c1200 to the present day Its unique range, depth of coverage and accessibility is recognised internationally The library was located in their London home at 32 Portman Square Witt always maintained a strong interest in art and after marrying his classmate, Mary Helene Marten, the two began collecting photographs of works of art and commenced building the Witt Library In 1903 together with David Lindsay, Wallace Collection keeper Claude Phillips, D S MacColl and Roger Fry, they founded the National Art Collections Fund In 1920 he became chair of the Art Collections Fund, which grew into the most important fund-raising unit for art in Britain under Witt's leadership He was knighted in 1922 In 1932 together with Samuel Courtauld and Arthur Hamilton Lee (Viscount Lee of Fareham) he founded the Courtauld Institute of Art, University of London In 1944 Witt deeded his house at 32 Portman Square and vast image collection as a research library for the Courtauld Institute He retired in 1945 because of ill health and was named president, the Fund's first The National Gallery, London, organized a special show in his honour featuring the art purchased under his direction of the Fund He died at his Portman Square home at age 80 The library was moved to the institute at nearby 19 and 20 Portman Square Also donated were his large collection of nearly 4000 old master drawings to the Institute as well. POSTAGE: PLEASE NOTE - This is a heavy item and will require additional postage for overseas deliveries. We will contact you with the additional charges. Please see our postage policy on our shop front for more information.

Seller Inventory # 7880

Bibliographic Details

• Title: An Introduction to Dutch Art
• Publisher: Faber & Gwyer Limited, London
• Publication Date: 1929
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition.
• Condition: Fair
• Dust Jacket Condition: No DJ