1898 Days and Hours in a Garden : By E.V.B. : Signed “Vellucent” Chivers Binding

Days and Hours in a Garden 

By E.V.B. (Eleanor V. Boyle)

Published by Elliot Stock, London, 1898. Signed 'vellucent' binding by Cedric Chivers, Bath. 8vo, Measuring approximately 6.75” x 4.5”. Gilt to top edge. With 210 pages and an author’s preface, the book is illustrated with a frontispiece, several full page illustrations, and numerous in text illustrations.

An exquisite example of a "vellucent" binding by Cedric Chivers who perfected the technique of using watercolors on transparent vellum. This intricate hand-painted binding features a classic design comprised of an elaborate cover treatment of gilt ruled borders with the front cover featuring a painting of a garden surrounded by purple framing and a mother-of-pearl inlay as well as the title highlighted in a scroll framed by leaves and flowers. The back cover continues the theme with gilt ruling and a watercolor painting containing a Francis Bacon’s comment on gardening that appears on the title page. The spine treatment is likewise decorated with the same motif. There are gilt ruled leather doublures and hand marbled endpapers with the top page ends being gold gilted. Stamped in gold gilt on the bottom of the inside back cover is the Cedric Chivers binder’s stamp. The book is housed in a functional cloth slipcase with 'push' square to ease removal of the book from its case.

ABOUT CHIVER BINDINGS
Around 1903, Cedric Chivers of Bath, England developed a remarkable method of decoration for the binding of books, the transparent vellum or “Vellucent” method. The process involved an artist painting on a super-thin surface medium, and a sheet of vellum, shaved to translucent thinness, was laid over it, with the now indivisible pieces bound over boards. For the first time in the history of the bibliopegistic art, the actual work of the artist, undiluted by a translation through the hands of a binding technician, was involved in the decoration of the book. Using the “vellucent method” it was also possible to incorporate further embellishments such as mother-of-pearl and iridescent shell, and the like, all of which may be covered and permanently protected by the vellum. As The Graphic Arts and Crafts Year Book for 1908 wrote, “It is difficult indeed not to become enthusiastic over the idea of the gorgeous aspect of a wealthy booklover’s library of “Vellucent”-bound books, which may become at the same time a cabinet of works of art, each one of his choice and rare volumes bearing an unique specimen of the book decorator’s skill, and embellished with the most varied and brilliant effects.”

CONDITION
In fine condition. The vellum binding is in very good condition as can be seen in the images provided. Endpapers very good. Little spotting to title page and the odd spot to the odd margin, but generally pages very good throughout. All illustrations present and in good order. No names or writing to the book. Overall a fine copy.

(GS3)