A History of the Eragny Press, 1894-1914

TitleA History of the Eragny Press, 1894-1914
Publication TypeThesis
Year of Publication1990
AuthorsGenz, Marcella D.
Number of Pages375 pp.
UniversityUniversity of California
CityBerkeley, CA
Thesis TypePh.D. Dissertation
LanguageEnglish
Abstract

Lucien Pissarro, known in continental Europe for his impressionist and neo-impressionist paintings, came to London in 1890 to study wood engraving and in 1894, with his wife Esther Bensusan Pissarro, established the Eragny Press, the first revivalist private press to follow that of William Morris's Kelmscott Press. The purpose of this thesis is to survey the history of the Eragny Press and to reassess its significance within the revivalist private press movement.

Chapter One discusses Lucien Pissarro's early career in France in order to establish the influences and motivations for his later work. The study then examines Lucien's association with Charles Ricketts, the establishment of the Eragny Press and its relationship with Hacon & Ricketts. Esther Pissarro's role within the press is also defined. Chapter Two describes the physical plant, its operations, and the materials and methods, as well as the cost, of production. Chapter Three considers the Eragny Press publishing program; the marketing and distribution of the books in England, the United States and the Continent; and commissions from two French bibliophile clubs. Chapter Four looks at the influences and theories which are the basis for the design of Eragny Press books. The dissertation concludes with a reevaluation of the press's significance and rightful place within the history of the English revivalist private press movement.

Region:

Chronological Period: