“The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer: Prologue”, Kelmscott Press p 1-2

Details

Date: 1895
Dimensions: 37.5 x 31.75
Object Type: print
Material: paper
Technique: woodcut
Catalogue number: P300a
Credit notes: Presented by J.W. Mackail?

The illustration was originally produced as an etching for the frontispiece to Morris’ “A Dream of John Ball” (Reeves & Turner 1888); the original drawing for this is in the Gallery’s collection, D75. The motto was in lower case roman letter printed by woodcut.
In this version, the enlarged illustration was printed in the Daily Chronicle as one of 24 illustrations by well-known artists of the day, assembled by Joseph Pennell with the object of furthering the cause of the Reform Party at the LCC elections of 1895; the title of the illustration on this occasion was ‘Labour’ and it was purported that it had been drawn especially for the Daily Chronicle. It is probably from the issue of Monday, 18th February 1895.
The illustration was again used in the Kelmscott Press edition of Morris’ book (Sept. 1892), framed in Morris frame with motto in capitals; both were woodcuts. This was also re-used for the leaflet printed in March 1894 for the Ancoats Brotherhood.
For another copy see P300.

Technique: woodcut

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