Sale 2497 - Fine Illustrated Books & Graphics, January 29, 2019

24 c   (CHELONIIDAE PRESS.) Lawrence, D. H. Tortoises. Artist’s Proof Copy. Etched frontispiece portrait of Lawrence and 7 wood engravings by Alan James Robinson, plus two separate suites containing a set of original pencil drawings and another of the engravings, all Signed. Typesetting by Michael Bixler and Arthur Larson. Printed at the Hampshire Typothetae by H. Patrick McGrath. Introduction by Jefferson Hunter. Small folio, special sculptural leather binding of a turtle shell by daniel kelm ; the book and suite enclosed in a case linen tray case, also by Kelm. From the collection of Richard Callaway. [Williamsburg, Massachusetts], 1983   [3,000/4,000] one of six unnumbered artist ’ s proof copies , signed by robinson and kelm in a spectacular art binding by Daniel E. Kelm of the Wide Awake Garage, in which three colors of leather (orange, dark green, and light green) are sculpted to mimic a tortoise shell. The designs of the three-dimensional boards are repeated on the intricate onlaid paper pastedowns. With a suite of prints and original drawings in a cloth chemise which slides into a cleverly hidden slot in the custom box, also designed by Daniel E. Kelm. Fine. Six poems by D. H. Lawrence which originally appeared in the 1930 edition of Birds, Beasts & Flowers, newly illustrated with eight wood engravings depicting the life cycle and family relationships of the tortoise. An absolutely spectacular art binding of sculpted full leather, and the only copy of this title to include the additional suite of prints and original drawings.