Landmarks in Print Collecting. Connoisseurs and Donors at the British Museum since 1753.
(London): British Museum Press, (1996),
First Edition, wrappers issue. quarto, pictorial wrappers. 304 pp. British Museum Press, Very fine copy. Item #24080
The Department of Prints and Drawings in the British Museum holds one of the world's greatest collections of prints, consisting of more than two million items of exceptional quality. All the major names of Western printmaking are represented, often in complete series and in excellent impressions. This book studies the history of this remarkable collection over the 250 years since the British Museum was founded in 1753. Ten essays by members of the Department describe the principal gifts, bequests of purchases that now form the core of the Museum's holdings. In addition to these essays are nine extensive appendices with unpublished documents taken from the Museum's archives. This is the fullest account ever published of the growth of any part of a British national collection. Illustrated with 100 examples of the finest prints from the collections described in the essays. 9 color and 159 b&w illustrations.
Price: $15.00