Adventures of the Blackgang

The Llangollen Canal - lithograph by John Nash from “Men & the Fields”, Adrian Bell, 1939

The 1939 book by Adrian Bell is lavishly illustrated by John Nash and includes a series of fine lithographs printed at the renowned Curwen Press in Plaistow, London.

This view of the canal is a charming scene - rumour has it that Nash was not happy with the outcome of the work at Curwen but personally I think they are very fine illustrations.

The book itself is a superb evocation of rural England before the huge changes wrought by the Second World War.

East Coasting - London & North Eastern railway booklet by Dell Leigh - frontispiece by Edward Bawden - 1930 The London & North Eastern Railway had very high standards for publicity - commissioning some of the best graphic designers and artists of the day.

This booklet is, even by their standards, unique - a small booklet whose plain but stylish cover hides some marvellous work by Edward Bawden and the whole set up and printed by the wonderful Curwen Press. The frontispiece gives an indication of the inventive and playful illustrations to be found - quite how the thought of being carried off by a mermaid or giant lobster enticed people to England’s east coast I don’t know!

Publicity vignette by Edward Bawden for the Westminster Bank, c1935

One of a series of vignettes used in publicity brochures issued by the Westminster Bank in 1934/5, printed by Curwen Press. This shows Venice, Italy.

• more: Westminster Bank publicity (Set: 17)