Old Spain: A Unique Set Containing Four Original Signed Drypoints

Old Spain. "A Monumental Work". A two Volume Limited Edition set of 265 sets, signed by the artist and the author, and numbered 192. Muirhead Bone executed 4 drypoints (etchings) of Spanish subjects to accompany this work, comprising 2 large plates and 2 small plates. Each set was issued with a portfolio containing 2 drypoints, 1 large and 1 small. Half the edition contained; 'THE APSE LEON CATHEDRAL' (CD441) (large plate) and 'ROMAN BULL EXCAVATED AT MERIDA' (CD443) (small plate). The remaining half contained; 'JUBILEE YEAR SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA' (CD439) (large plate) and 'DANCING AT THE APOSTLES FIESTA SANTIAGO' (CD444) (small plate). This set uniquely contains all 4 signed drypoints which were each printed in an edition of 133. The two large (13 3/4" x 20 1/2") lavishly illustrated Volumes are bound in brown pig-skin and lettered in gold, and are accompanied by a quarter bound pig-skin portfolio to compliment the binding of the two Volumes; although the label on the portfolio lists only 'THE APSE LEON CATHEDRAL' and 'ROMAN BULL EXCAVATED AT MERIDA'. The two Volumes are illustrated with 120 full-page collotype plates including 3 double pages; 34 half-page plates and headpieces, and 27 tail-pieces. The books, portfolio and drypoints are all in exceptionally fine condition and are housed in a custom made solander box. A contemporary report by Country Life on the Exhibition of 'Old Spain' held at the Publishers states, "a great series of etchings that posterity will prize as richly as though Goya had seen with the eyes of Turner." A unique set comprising all 4 signed drypoint etchings undertaken for this magnificent production.…