Sunday 4 November 2012

High Street - J.M. Richards & Eric Ravilious

My life has recently become enriched from a friend showing me his most treasured book, High Street. It was published in 1938 by Country Life Books, written by J.M. Richards and illustrated with 24 incredible lithographs by English artist Eric Ravilious (1903-1942). It wasn't a limited edition but because the lithograph plates were destroyed during the blitz it meant only 2000 copies were ever printed, making it one of the most highly prized books of its time. This one has been valued at around £3,500. All the pictures are of real shops, mostly in London. Because the artist was so popular, many of these books have been cut up for sale of the lithographs, so I would imagine there aren't many left in existence.

If you would like to make an offer to buy this copy, do get in touch and I will put you in contact with my friend.

You can see all the illustrations here.